The Power of Children
The Power of Children: Making a Difference is a permanent exhibition at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis that focuses on the life stories of four children who had suffered hardship borne of prejudice — Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, Ryan White, and Malala Yousafzai. The exhibit is accompanied by the annual Power of Children Awards recognizing local children in grades 6–11 who have made a significant contribution to the local community. The exhibit has received critical acclaim among Museology professionals[1][2] and received a 2009 American Association for State and Local History "award of merit".[3]
Exhibit
Established in 2007, and targeting children aged 10–14, it "provides a safe place for families and students to explore issues of intolerance, fear, and prejudice and related historical artifacts as experienced in the lives of three children Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White."
The exhibit uses the museum theater technique of
In 2010 Elton John performed a benefit concert in Indianapolis to support the exhibit.[7] The Elton John AIDS Foundation was founded in honor of Ryan White.
Awards
Predating the development of the permanent exhibition, the Power of Children Awards are given annually to between four and six recipients, presented at a gala dinner attended by local dignitaries, the runners-up and winners' families and the museum's executive. The awards aims to "recognize Indiana youths who have made a significant impact on the lives of others, demonstrated selflessness, and exhibited a commitment to service and the betterment of society".
Recipients
- 2013: Christopher Yao, Maria Keller, Alexandra Skinner, Makenzie Smith, Charles Orgbon III, Madeline Cumbey
- 2012: Grace Li, Nicholas Clifford, Neha Gupta, Timothy Balz, Sarah Wood
- 2011: Elizabeth Neimic, Nathaniel Montgomery Osborne VI, Jill Osterhus, Krystal Shirrell.
- 2010: Ashley Slayton, Jordyn Bever, Jared Brown, Kaylin Fanta, Benjamin Gormley, Claire Helmen.
- 2009: Kaylee Shirrell, Jacob Baldwin, Dale Pedzinski, Carah Austin, Amber Kriech, Olivia Rusk.
- 2008: Kyle Gough, Amanda & Grant Mansard, Alison Mansfield.
- 2007: Weston Luzadder, Keegan McCarthy, Evanne Offenbacker, Brittany Oliver, Brandon Taylor
- 2006: Shelby Mitchell, Sarah Boesing, Riley Curry, Matt Ciulla.
- 2005: Nikieia Fitzpatrick, Daniel Kent, Ashlee Hammer, Abraxas Segundo.
References
- ^ Simon, Nina (12 May 2009). "Review of an exhibition: The Power of Children". Exhibit Files. Association of Science - Technology Centers. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
- S2CID 145724938.
- ^ a b "2009 Leadership in History Awards" (PDF). American Association for State and Local History. p. 15. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
- ^ "Malala Yousafzai exhibit opens at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis". www.wrtv.com. 18 September 2021. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
- ^ "Teacher Resources". Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
- ISBN 978-0615346502.
- ^ "A special benefit concert with Elton John: Celebrating the life and legacy of RYAN WHITE". Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
- ^ Mark, Mark (30 November 2011). "Award-winning effort: local teen demonstrates 'Power of Children'". Northwest Indiana, nwi.com. The Times Media Company. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
- ^ "Power of Children Awards". Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Retrieved 3 October 2012.