Above & Beyond Children's Museum Commemorates 25th Anniversary with Weeklong Line Up of Special Celebrations and Tributes

Above & Beyond Children's Museum achieves 25 year milestone with a remarkable list of historic and recent accomplishments all while focusing on the museum’s steadfast mission to benefit the children and their families.

The Above & Beyond Children’s Museum was established in 1993 and opened its current location at 902 N. 8th Street in April 1999. The initial team included Founder Darryl Gumm and Board Members Gary Zimmerman, Bonnie Schmitz, Betty Potter, and Nina Stapel. Throughout the years, significant notable moments included the expansion to the third floor, the construction of the outdoor Efroymson Ship protruding from the side of the building, and cutting a hole in the north wall to bring in the firetruck.

“It takes a lot of creative energy, money and commitment to build and sustain a children’s museum,” said Darryl M. Gumm.  “As one of the people who founded Above & Beyond, I am thankful to those who have helped to sustain this special place for the past 25 years.”

The museum’s most recent accolades and accomplishments include opening the new Sheboygan Rotary Club Musical Garden, continuing and enhancing the complimentary Eat. Play. Grow. summer program, supporting Color Me Sheboygan project in partnership with Katie English, hosting annual fundraiser Tastefully Childish, and unveiling new exhibits: Just Kids Dental Recording Studio Exhibit and Just Orthodontics Glow Room.

“In my five year tenure with Above & Beyond Children’s Museum I haven’t been more proud to be part of the rediscovery and redevelopment of the museum with a notable list of accomplishments and achievable future enhancements all made possible by our community, volunteers, staff and board support,” said Lynda Torke, Board President of Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. “I confidently anticipate the same direction of success and support to continue in the near future and beyond.”

Future museum enhancements include:

• the unveiling of the Festival Foods Fresh Market Exhibit and Programming in partnership with Nourish with major sponsor support from Festival Foods and Sargento Foods, with more sponsors yet to come, opening in June 2018.
• new summer STEM programming in collaboration with the Museum of Science & Industry – Chicago. Registration opening soon.
• an overhauled Toddler Room to become the Toddler Barnyard in early 2019.

“The past six months of working at Above & Beyond have been a dream,” said Executive Director Emily Rendall-Araujo. “I am so fortunate to come to this amazing place every day and work with such dedicated staff, volunteers, and board members. And of course, my eighteen-month son loves visiting me at work!”

25th Anniversary Week Events & Offerings
For more information and reservations for the 25th Anniversary activities visit www.abkids.org or call 920-458-4263. For advance registration email stephani@abkids.org or call 920-458-4263.

MONDAY - April 9 at Noon – Sheboygan Rotary Club Musical Garden Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Join members of the Sheboygan Rotary Club, Sheboygan County Chamber Representatives and Above & Beyond Children’s Museum Board Members as they dedicate the new Musical Garden Outdoor Exhibit.
Note: Museum is closed on Mondays.

MONDAY - April 9 from 5-7pm: Special Needs Night
Welcome to a fun night out for families of children with special needs! Enjoy reduced numbers of visitors, space and freedom to explore at one’s own pace, and the opportunity to connect with other families. Craft activities and snacks will be provided. Special Needs Night is held the 2nd Monday of every month.

TUESDAY – April 10 from 5-8pm – Night at the Museum
An evening for young professionals hosted by Coastal YPN and sponsored by United One Credit Union for attendees ages 21 and older to experience the museum. Cash bar available. Register online at sheboygan.org.

WEDNESDAY – April 11 from 5-7pm - Teacher Appreciation Night
An open house-style event for teachers and teaching professionals to discover the museum. Attendees will enjoy field trip demonstrations including the new Museum of Science & Industry programming, complimentary light appetizers, beverages and wine. Enter for a chance to win a free field trip at Above & Beyond Children’s Museum during the 2018-2019 school year. Advanced registration is preferred.

THURSDAY – April 12 from 6-8pm – 25th Anniversary Celebration
An exclusive event to honor and celebrate the volunteers, donors, and board members from the preceding 25 years. Attendees will be treated to complimentary food and beverages while rediscovering the museum and meeting the current team including new Executive Director Emily Rendall- Araujo. All current and former contributors are invited to attend. Advanced registration is preferred.

FRIDAY – April 13 from 5-7pm – Above & Beyond Children’s Museum Members-Only Family Night
A members-only evening event set to celebrate the anniversary with interactive activities, child- and adult-friendly snacks, contests and more. Wear your favorite pajamas and participate in exciting games, contests and more for a chance to win great prizes! Ice cream sundaes and root beer floats provided. New members welcome! Advanced registration preferred.

SATURDAY – April 14 from 10am to Noon – 25th Birthday Bash
It's a birthday party!  Decorate party hats and noisemakers, smash a piñata, eat birthday cakes donated by Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, belt out “Happy Birthday” enjoy lively entertainment, and other birthday-themed surprises and festivities.

SUNDAY – April 15 from 1:30-2:30pm - Cat in the Hat Pre-Show Party
Craft activities held at the museum before the Cat in the Hat performance at the Weill Center. Ticket holders to the performance receive FREE admission to the museum during the event.