A Lifelong Commitment to Play, Learning, and Community Heidi Boyum has spent most of her life in the Mankato area. Her childhood was filled with imaginative play in her neighborhood—she fondly remembers crafting a makeshift sailboat and hauling it down the sidewalk, embarking on grand imaginary voyages. Whether playing banker or creating make-believe homes, these
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota holds a special place in our hearts. The Glen A. Taylor Foundation is committed to the launch of the newest permanent exhibit, Taylor Farm. The distinguishing factor that sets CMSM apart and showcases their expertise lies in their remarkable ability to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning
Christi Wilking and her family have been members of the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) for six years and part of the Ignite Society since the beginning. Her passion and enthusiasm for CMSM originates from her experience as a mom with her two boys, Gavin (10) and Ethan (7). Those treasured memories with her
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota serves as a haven for families seeking fun, educational experiences. For military families, the museum holds a special place, providing a supportive environment and a sense of community. In honor of the Blue Star Museum Initiative which starts this week, we interviewed a Museum member who is also active
It’s not that CMSM Board Secretary Heather Von Bank isn’t a little scared when her 8 year old son dons his goggles and camo helmet, rolls a sleeping bag out at the top of the second floor stairs, and hollers “hey, wanna go for a ride?” to his 10 year old brother. It’s that she
“When I was considering joining the Ignite Society, all I had to do was reflect on the absolute joy and pure concentration on the faces of several of my great-grandchildren, moving from activity to activity as three older generations of my family watched them play at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.” Sandy Parks is
Karen Wahlstrom has been with the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota since its inception. As a retired ECFE teacher, she knows the Power of Play and the impact it has on families all around the region. As an Ignite Society Member, she said the impact of the Museum for her is not only felt in
For Lisa Keyes, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a place to honor and remember her beloved mother, Darlene Janovy. Lisa is a proud member of the Ignite Society all the way from North Carolina. She grew up in Mankato where her father was a professor at MSU and her mother, a beloved early
Bob and Jean Preston have been members of the Ignite Society for two years now. Their passion and vision for the future are just some of the highlights for them when it comes to being a part of the Ignite Society. “We felt this was a good way to donate to the Children’s Museum and
Due to the Winter weather in our area.
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