Sunday, September 15, 2024 The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is taking significant strides in honoring Hispanic Heritage Month by launching a dynamic new exhibit, Take Me There®: Peru , and unveiling a Latino Community Initiative aimed at fostering deeper connections with the Latino population. As part of its ongoing dedication to inclusivity and cultural representation, the museum is placing a strong emphasis on celebrating and understanding the rich Latino heritage, which is a growing demographic both in Indiana and across the United States. One of the museum’s most notable announcements is the launch of its new cultural exhibit, Take Me There®: Peru , which invites visitors to embark on a journey through the vibrant and diverse landscapes of Peru.
Set to open on July 12, 2025, this immersive experience will transport families from the bustling streets of Lima to the serene Andes and the lush Amazon Rainforest. This exhibit promises to offer an exciting and educational exploration of Peruvian culture, aiming to highlight both the similarities and unique differences between the Peruvian and American way of life. Through this cultural showcase, the museum seeks to promote awareness, acceptance, and respect for global traditions and communities.
Take Me There® has been a beloved feature of The Children’s Museum, regularly changing its focus to different countries and cultures. With this latest installment, visitors will have the opportunity to dive into Peru’s rich heritage, examining the country’s historical and contemporary significance. From the intricate textiles of indigenous artisans to the vibrant festivals that bring entire communities together, the exhibit will provide families with an engaging way to learn about the cultural depth of Peru while appreciating the beauty of diversity.
In addition to the Take Me There®: Peru exhibit, The Children’s Museum has launched its Latino Community Initiative, a strategic and long-term commitment focused on enhancing the museum’s connection with the Latino community. This initiative centers around three core pillars—experiences, resources, and staffing—to ensure that the museum continues to develop relevant, impactful, and authentic content for its diverse audience. As part of the initiative, the museum has committed to building a team of Latino community advisors.
These advisors will play a key role in shaping the initiative, helping the museum understand the cultural and educational needs of the Latino population. The goal is to create experiences that resonate deeply with Latino families while also providing educational resources that reflect their heritage. This approach ensures that the museum’s programs are both culturally sensitive and educationally enriching.
Monica Ramsey, vice president of experience development at The Children’s Museum, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Our work with the Latino community has just begun. We are listening and learning so that we can develop programs that are meaningful and reflect the needs of our Latino neighbors. Our goal is to create experiences that speak authentically to their families and culture.
” Indiana’s Latino population has experienced significant growth in recent years, increasing by 250% since 2000. Nationally, Latinos are projected to comprise 30% of the U.S.
population by 2050, making cultural understanding and representation more important than ever. The museum recognizes this demographic shift and is committed to offering Spanish-language resources, employing Spanish-speaking staff, and collaborating with local Latino communities to create culturally relevant exhibits and events. Marlene Dotson, president and CEO of the Indiana Latino Institute, expressed her appreciation for the museum’s efforts: “The Children’s Museum’s dedication to creating an exhibit that celebrates Peru highlights their understanding of Indiana’s changing demographics.
As our communities grow and evolve, fostering cultural understanding becomes increasingly important. As a proud Peruvian immigrant myself, I’m touched by the museum’s commitment to bridging cultures and creating a deeper appreciation for the Latino community.” The museum kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual Fiesta de la Familia event on September 15, 2024.
This free, family-friendly celebration was filled with vibrant cultural performances, including mariachi music, craft activities, and a variety of programs that celebrated Latino culture. Fiesta de la Familia serves as a significant way to engage the local community and highlight the contributions of Latino culture, while fostering a welcoming environment for all visitors. The museum’s president and CEO, Jennifer Pace Robinson, spoke about the broader goals of these initiatives: “We believe that regular visits to The Children’s Museum have the potential to inspire children and help them realize their place in the world.
By working closely with the Latino community, we aim to ensure that everyone feels welcome and represented, and that we are offering dynamic, relevant experiences that reflect our vibrant and diverse community.” With the opening of Take Me There®: Peru and the launch of the Latino Community Initiative, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is entering a new phase of cultural exploration. This commitment to diverse storytelling is paving the way for innovative educational experiences that celebrate the rich traditions of various global communities.
As the museum embarks on its second century, these initiatives are a testament to its mission of inspiring curiosity, fostering learning, and encouraging cultural understanding among children and families from all backgrounds. Both initiatives are made possible through the generous support of the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation and the Longview Foundation. Additionally, The Children’s Museum continues to build strong partnerships with organizations such as Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP, and The Heritage Group.
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