Growing up, many of us remember the wonder and excitement of visiting a museum designed just for children—a place where science, art, and technology sparked our imagination and curiosity. However, in Anderson, Indiana, our children lack such a transformative space. As a father and business owner, I've seen firsthand how essential it is for our community to offer places where creativity can grow and new possibilities are within reach. We need to invest in the future of our children by providing them with a children's museum where they can learn, play, and explore in a welcoming and affordable environment.

The establishment of a children's museum in Anderson would not only enrich the lives of our young ones but also serve as a catalyst for community growth. It would bring families together, ignite curiosity in our children, and help them discover talents and interests that could shape their futures. For a city like Anderson that values community and forward-thinking, this is an opportunity to lay the groundwork for long-term success by building a stronger community centered around the well-being of future generations.

I am calling upon Mayor Broderick and the City Council to take decisive action by prioritizing funding for this project. This involves committing municipal resources and forming partnerships to attract private donations and grants that can help bring this vision to life. By establishing a clear development plan with public accountability measures, we can ensure that this project is guided effectively and transparently. This museum will also provide educational programming and partnership opportunities with local schools, further integrating education and community engagement into the fabric of Anderson.

To support a vibrant future for Anderson's children, we need your help. Sign this petition to show your support for allocating the necessary funding and resources to establish a children's museum in Anderson. Let's work together to create a place that inspires our children and elevates our community for generations to come.

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Anderson, petition the City to make the establishment of a children’s museum a municipal funding priority.

Our children deserve a place where learning comes alive through hands-on exhibits, science, art, construction, technology, and imaginative play. We envision a museum that welcomes families, supports classroom learning, celebrates our community, and gives people another reason to visit and invest in Anderson.

We ask the City to commit municipal funding toward planning, developing, and opening a children’s museum, supported by a financially sustainable operating plan.

Specifically, we request that the City:

Establish a dedicated budget allocation for the project, with an initial commitment to feasibility, site evaluation, exhibit planning, and development costs.

Identify available and legally eligible municipal funding sources and present a proposed funding amount and schedule at a public meeting.

Use the City’s investment to attract additional support from foundations, businesses, individual donors, and grant programs.

Require a clear business and operating plan identifying construction costs, annual expenses, governance, private fundraising commitments, and any anticipated ongoing public support.

Make access a priority, including affordable admission, school partnerships, and opportunities for children whose families cannot afford regular admission.

Provide public accountability through defined milestones, financial reporting, and measurable goals for educational participation and community benefit.

We request a public presentation of the City’s proposed next steps within 90 days of receiving this petition.

Investing in a children’s museum is an investment in the curiosity, creativity, and potential of Anderson’s children. We urge our elected officials to turn this community vision into a funded, actionable project.