The imperative of children's museums
Childhood does not pause for a pandemic. The earliest years in children's lives shape 80% of their brain architecture. Children's museums across our state shape the crucial interactive learning experiences that are the foundation of development and nurture lifelong adult-child relationships. Together with the families, caregivers and educators who are our members, guests, donors and advocates, we create the next generation of artists, innovators, scientists, business leaders and problem solvers our future requires.
Children absorb and are affected by the people they rely on for love and security. Now more than ever, families in isolation need support to ensure healthy child development. Children's museums are stepping up to help by redirecting investments into remote supports and continuing as sources of comfort, connection and information for parents and caregivers facing new challenges. In this new era, children's museums are finding new ways to mitigate the stress brought by fear and isolation.
We continue supporting families and striving to sustain ourselves through this unprecedented time while losing nearly all of our earned revenue.
This is the time to build bridges to the future. Arts and cultural institutions must be included in philanthropic and government funding priorities now. No one wants to imagine our brave new world void of special spaces that celebrate creativity, curiosity, awe and wonder. Children's museums need your support now.
Donate directly to your local children's museum. Share the beauty and power of our work on social media. Appeal to area funders to support children's museums with philanthropic resources. Write your federal or state representatives; urge them to include children's museums in funding.
Now is not the time to de-prioritize rich early childhood experiences essential for brain and relationship building.
Jennifer Farrington, President and CEO, Chicago Children's Museum
Andrea J. Wiles, President and CEO, DuPage Children's Museum
Mike Delfini, President and CEO, Kohl Children's Museum