Playing with purpose could be the motto of the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, located not in Bronzeville but in Calumet Heights. Founded in 1993, the museum is masterfully effective in educating children about African American history and culture through instruction, guided exploration, and play.
Founder Peggy Montes is a former Chicago Public Schools teacher and assistant principal who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education, civic engagement, community improvement, and advocacy. She was the first female chairperson of the board of trustees and building committee at the DuSable Museum of African American History, and spearheaded construction of the museum’s Harold Washington wing. During his tenure, Mayor Washington appointed her executive director of the Chicago Commission on Women, and she’s also active in various other local organizations, including the Illinois Arts Council, the Art Institute of Chicago’s Leadership Advisory Committee, the Museum of Science and Industry’s Black Creativity program, the Black Chicago Heritage Initiative, and the African American Association of Museums.
The Bronzeville Children’s Museum distinguishes itself from other children’s museums by how intentionality is built into the structure of each exhibit. Visitors are invited to tour interactive exhibits uniquely curated for children ages four to nine that cover relevant topics such as health, African African contributions to society, STEAM education, and Bronzeville’s African American History
When asked what she would like to share with Weekly readers, Montes said that “people must develop a more positive attitude about the South Side in terms of what it has to offer.” The Bronzeville Children’s Museum is one of the few cultural institutions located on the far South Side. It is housed in a beautiful building and, according to Montes, thousands of people pass through the museum daily; however, she would like more of those individuals to slow down, stop in, and learn something new. (Rovetta McKinney)
Bronzeville Children’s Museum, 9301 S. Stony Island Ave., Wednesday–Saturday, tours offered every hour on the hour from 10am–2 pm. 773-821-9301, bronzevillechildrensmuseum.com