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Yellow submarine, samurai armor, and signed baseball bat seen from the entrance to Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years exhibit.
Home Experiences Exhibits Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years

Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years

Admission
included
Dates
Now–Dec. 31, 2025
Presenting Sponsor
Purdue University
Objects have the power to inspire, teach, and even change lives. In Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years, learn the interesting stories behind 100 artifacts—a mix of never-before-seen items, beloved museum icons, and artifacts from past exhibits—in The Children’s Museum’s wide-ranging collection
Encounter a wide mix of objects, including:
  • A drum used in the U.S. Civil War
  • A Hogwarts acceptance letter used in a Harry Potter movie
  • Artwork by Muhammad Ali
  • A pen used to sign the Civil Rights Act
  • The 9-foot-tall Polar Bear nicknamed “Martimus”
  • The SS Dayrel “Yellow Submarine”
  • A porcupinefish—the first item in our collection! 
This is a museum-wide exhibit! Look for objects on display throughout the museum, including the main exhibit space inside Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience®, near the ramp on Level 2, and up on Level 4. Each object is marked with the exhibit's logo.
S.S. Dayrel, commonly referred to as the
Drum used by Edward Black in the Civil War.
Porcupinefish.
Stanley the Seahorse donation box.
Star Wars X-Wing and TIE Fighter toys and action figures Bespin Luke Skywalker and Stormtrooper.
Crown H.E.R. Miss Indy Juneteenth Dress worn by Teressa Clay.
Screen-used Raphael costume, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III.
Dracorex hogwartsia fossil.
Photo of Jackie Robinson on the baseball field.
Florence Geisler Mineral Collection.
American flag flown on the International Space Station.
Madame C.J. Walker Wonder Hair Grower and Scalp Ointment tins.

Sensory information

Get ready for your visit by reviewing the sights and sounds you'll experience in Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years.

Loud Noises
Tactile Opportunity
Low Light

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [Grant No.: MA-253094-OMS-23].

The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

today at the museum