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We love sharing stories about how The Children’s Museum directly impacted the lives of children and families in our neighborhood and around the world. It’s a great reminder that our mission to transform the lives of children and families continues. But what about our volunteers? How does the museum impact them?
We’re glad you asked.
Meet Steven and Susan Haines
Steven and Susan Haines at the Jurassic Mile® in Wyoming.
Steven’s interest in science began when he visited a museum in Cincinnati when he was 14 years old. The Planetarium Director allowed him to participate in their adults-only astronomy course. This sparked a lifelong interest in science. As the first student in his high school class to be accepted into college, Steven continued to follow his passion for science and earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Parks College of Aeronautical Technology in St. Louis, Missouri.
Shortly after graduation, Steven became a Meteorological Intern for the Indianapolis Forecast Office of the National Weather Service. Steven took on a wide variety of duties during his internship. The best thing that happened at the weather office, however, was meeting his wife, Susan.
Susan graduated from Indiana Central University—now known as the University of Indianapolis—with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science. She would later become a Certified Professional Coder and Certified Coding Specialist. When Susan met Steven, she was a weather radio broadcast. One of her duties was to help send weather warnings. Whenever a warning was issued, it was carried live across all television stations. There’s only one other person who has that type of exclusive TV air time—the President of the United States!
Volunteering at The Children’s Museum
One day after Steven had presented a weather program at a local grade school, a teacher suggested he consider volunteering at The Children’s Museum after retiring. And that’s exactly what Steven and Susan did.
“I had the misconception, as many do, that it was a museum just for children.”
Steven Haines
After one visit, he discovered that The Children’s Museum is much more than he’d imagined—especially when it came to volunteers. Steve and Susan have visited several museums where volunteers are used to provide directions. Not so at The Children’s Museum. Our volunteers are vital to what we do and are an important part of the visitor experience. The museum would not be the amazing place it is without the hundreds of volunteers who make our visitors’ experience so special.
There are many reasons why Steven and Susan spend so much time volunteering at the museum. One reason is because of how often things change here. New exhibits are brought in every year. This fosters an environment of lifelong learning—even with our volunteers. Learning about new things helps you grow. Another reason the Haineses enjoy volunteering is because volunteers get to go places in the museum that the public never sees.
Establishing a legacy
As Steven and Susan were discussing their will, they knew they wanted to support the efforts of The Children’s Museum. They also knew they wanted to contribute to “something concrete.”
This could be a challenge for many organizations. Susan’s passionate about sports. Steven’s passionate about science. How do you combine the two?
When the Haineses approached Gift Officer Judy Stewart about their wishes, she helped find the right fit in Beyond Spaceship Earth. They helped fund the Indiana Astronaut Wall of Fame through a legacy gift.
And then as preparations were underway for the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®, Judy knew the perfect fit for Susan—funding two holes in The Pete and Alice Dye Golf Experience. “Judy even helped us pick out the best ones,” the family said.
Steven and Susan at Hole 6, one of they holes they chose to support through a legacy gift.
Steven and Susan have spent extensive time volunteering in Dinosphere®. Susan has enjoyed putting her anatomy knowledge to work on dinosaur bones in the paleo labs. Steven enjoys talking to visitors about dinosaurs’ many interesting characteristics. Providing a gift to help fund the new sound and light show in Giants of the JurassicTM? It just makes sense.
You can make an impact
Steven and Susan Haines have made a lasting impact on our community. Through the connections they make while volunteering, they help create memorable experiences for our visitors. Because of their planned financial giving, they will continue to make a lasting impact on every person who enters the museum for years to come.
Just like the Haineses, you can make a lasting impact by establishing a legacy gift. And just like the Hainses, your legacy gift can be associated with something that’s meaningful to you. They have chosen to support sports, space, and dinosaur-related experiences. What will your gift support? Science? History? Equality? Art? There are many opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Interested in making a planned gift to The Children’s Museum? Please contact Judy Stewart at 317-334-3839 or judys@childrensmuseum,org.
