How We Got Started

The History of the Terre Haute Children's Museum
The Terre Haute Children's Museum opened its doors in 1988 in the basement of the Central Christian Church. Since its early beginnings, it has more than doubled in size and has educated over 230,000 adults and children from over 22 counties in Indiana and Illinois. The Museum's reach extends far beyond its doors by serving the Wabash Valley with traveling exhibits focused on weather that reach pre-school students and the Covered Bridge Girl Scouts. The Museum has been the recipient of National Science Foundation Funding. It also participates in a national consortium of 14 science and technology museums.

Fast Facts

• The museum opened in 1988 in 1,500 square feet of space in the basement of the Central Christian Church on North Seventh Street in Terre Haute.
• March 4, 1988, the museum received 501(c)(3) status from the Department of Internal Revenue.
• In 1991, the museum moved to 523 Wabash Avenue within an existing 3,000-square-foot building donated by Terre Haute First Financial Bank
• The Museum's annual membership averages approximately 4,000 members.
• The Museum serves 15 - 20,000 guests each year.

Counties Served in Our Area