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Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and from all over the world. At The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, we have a dedicated space to teach the lessons of three particularly brave children who didn’t back down when the world needed them. The Power of Children exhibit (recommended for ages 8+) celebrates children who stood up to intolerance, violence, and discrimination to make a positive difference in their world.
Who are these ordinary kids who became extraordinary icons? Meet them now.
Anne Frank
An ordinary girl from Frankfurt, Germany, who liked to tell jokes, Anne Frank is remembered for her message of love and tolerance during the Holocaust. When her family went into hiding to escape the Nazi’s, Anne began to write about her life and her worldview in her diary. Today, millions of people have read and cherished her message of hope and triumph of the human spirit.
Read more: 10 Facts About Anne Frank
Ryan White
When Ryan White contracted HIV/AIDS following treatment for hemophilia in the 1980s, he quickly became the face of the disease which was terrorizing the nation. All Ryan wanted to be was a normal kid who could go to school and play with his friends. His bravery in the face of disease and the media attention showed us all how we should educate ourselves about HIV/AIDS and how it spreads.
Read more: 10 Facts About Ryan White
Ruby Bridges
Going to school may not sound heroic, but when six-year-old Ruby Bridges entered her Louisiana school in 1960, she did so as a champion of equality. In spite of protests, Ruby was the first African American student to attend a desegregated and previously all-white school. Today, the image of a little girl with a lot of courage stands as an important moment in America’s civil rights journey.
Read more: 10 Facts About Ruby Bridges
The Power of Children exhibit is free with museum admission.
