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By Eric Olson, Lilly Theater Manager
February is Black History Month, and it is always an exciting time at The Children’s Museum. Special attention is paid to African-American stories throughout the museum, and many of those stories are brought to life by the Interpretation Department through programs that have an interesting history of their own!
One highlight of the month’s programming is a show presenting the tales of Levi Coffin and Madam C.J. Walker, two significant figures in Indiana’s history. Levi Coffin was a businessman and abolitionist who assisted countless slaves traveling on the Underground Railroad, while Madam Walker was an African-American business woman – the first to become a millionaire through her own efforts. The short plays which tell these stories each began in different museum galleries – Levi Coffin in Mysteries in the log cabin of Mysteries in History, and Madam Walker in Story Avenue. These days the programs are presented as a double bill in the Lilly Theater, providing registered groups an opportunity to learn more about these remarkable people.
Meanwhile, a more recent chapter of Black History is on display every day in The Power of Children Gallery. There you will find the story of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American student to integrate a school in the State of Louisiana. Daily live performances tell of the amazing courage that six-year old Ruby showed as she faced angry crowds fighting to maintain segregation, and how her example created opportunities for untold numbers of children in years to come. Ruby’s story is also enhanced through artifacts and photos depicting many aspects of the Civil Rights struggle, both in Indiana and elsewhere.
Finally, the Spacequest Planetarium presents a long-standing museum tradition, Follow the Drinking Gourd. This planetarium show explains how travelers on the Underground Railroad were able to use the stars as their guide as they followed the dangerous path to freedom, and it is shown regularly throughout the month.
The Children’s Museum is thrilled to share these amazing stories with children and families, introducing new generations to some key persons and events from our collective past. Black History Month is an opportunity for everyone to examine important contributions in the quest for equality, and to help the good examples of the past create all new inspirations for the future!
