Starting A Children’s Museum In Sheboygan Wisconsin

When our children were quite young, my wife and I took them to visit my wife’s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. One of the most fascinating parts of that experience was the time we spent at the Magic House, which is the St. Louis Children’s Museum. If you are ever in the vicinity of St. Louis, even if you don’t have children, a visit to the Magic House is an absolute must. In fact, our visit, and subsequent visits, inspired me to start a small children’s museum in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

In February of 1992, a friend of mine, Gary Zimmermann, and I met for dinner and discussed several projects I was considering. Whereas, I only had the time and energy to pursue one of the projects, Gary suggested the children’s museum. Within a few months, I recruited a Board of Directors, which had come up with a name - Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, a logo and corporate bylaws. For years, we worked hard, all as volunteers, and built a magnificent and special place for children and families. The small children’s museum in the heart of Sheboygan, Wisconsin has been visited by people from all over the USA and beyond.

On October 21, 2002, I ended my official involvement with Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, because my job as a founder was completed. Another friend of mine, Karen Vandy, encouraged me to share the story of taking this dream and breathing life into it. In my current book project, Seize The Moment, I will be dedicating one chapter to telling the story of chasing this dream. However, for this website, I would like to only focus on a few main points which are significant as they relate to working toward peace in our families, communities and the world.

Point #1: Volunteering

There are so many worthwhile missions which are addressed by volunteers. My entire 11- year involvement with the children’s museum was that of a volunteer. At no point, was I ever paid for the thousands of hours I contributed to the organization. My volunteering, regardless of where it is, or has been, has helped me be a more productive worker, a more useful citizen, and a better person.

Point #2: Children need to be cared for.

They need to have opportunities to explore, discover and learn with their parents, grand parents, siblings and friends. Children’s Museums, especially those associated with the Association of Children’s Museums, provide those types of positive experiences for children. They are providing a vital community service and deserve support as much as any other community organization.

Point #3: Magic

For years, whenever I would describe the Magic House, in St. Louis, I would tell the story of the “magic” I observed during every visit. A place filled with children, having fun exploring, discovering and learning about the world around them. All of this taking place with a minimum amount of commotion. Quite magnificent and quite worthy of a visit next time you are in the vicinity of a children’s museum.

Point #4: Advice

Over the years, many people have asked me for advice about starting a children’s museum in their communities. Whereas I certainly can share some information, your best bet would be to simply contact The Association of Children’s Museums at (www.childrensmuseums.org)

Point #5: Owned by the Community

From time-to-time, people stop me at the grocery store, or other public places, and ask me about the children’s museum I founded. It’s hard for them to believe that I am no longer actively involved in what they refer to as “my baby.” The reality is that children’s museums in most communities are non- profit organizations. They are actually owned by the community. Their success or failure depends not on their founders, but on the community as a whole. Like all founders, I learned there must come a time when we have to “let go” of our “baby.” I’ve done that and have moved on to other projects that are important too. Certainly it is my hope, for the sake of the children, that the organization I founded enjoys long-term success. However, this success will be the result of efforts other than mine.

Quoteable Quotes

American Democracy, A Work In Progress