The paper discusses the use of 3D online virtual museums as educational instruments for children in economically disadvantaged communities. It discusses the advantages of simulation and immersion as learning enhancements, compared to traditional learning methods, using a case study based on the currently on-going work of development of a virtual museum (www.timemaps.net/timemap/?page_id=6). Presenting chronologically layered information, the museum offers a series of e-learning modules teaching traditional crafts technologies. The current audience is represented by children from a Romanian village community. The paper covers a description of the methodology used, as well as an evaluation of the usefulness of the solution by the target audience. In conclusion, the paper outlines a strategy for further development of the proposed e-learning solution.validating the use of the 3D virtual museums as modern and effective learning instruments. The paper closes with an outline of the future development strategy.