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By John Goodson, Interpretation Coordinator
As the CORE Gallery Interpretation Coordinator here at The Children’s Museum, I get to oversee several of our permanent galleries, such as Carousel Wishes and Dreams, ScienceWorks, All Aboard, Fireworks of Glass, and The Power of Children. My goal is always to delight, educate, and entertain our visitors through a wide-range of programs and interactions. Don’t tell the other galleries, but The Power of Children is my favorite because it allows us the opportunity to not just educate and entertain, but also to empower our guests to do something positive and meaningful after their visit.
On April 8, 2015, we marked 25 years since the passing of Ryan White, one of the three extraordinary children featured in the Power of Children gallery. His story of courage and hope continues to inspire guests visiting the gallery every day.
Shortly before Ryan passed, an Indiana school made 1,000 origami cranes and gave them to Ryan and his family. According to tradition, anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes would be granted a wish. Over the years, the origami crane has become an international symbol of peace and hope. The students' gift touched Ryan’s mother, Jeanne White Ginder, and she recently suggested that we mark this special occasion by doing the same in the gallery. I agreed, as I thought it would be a great way for guests to take a minute to contribute to a shared goal and honor the legacy of the extraordinary contribution that Ryan made to the world.
Families joined us in the Wings of Hope: "Origami Promise Crane" Challenge in The Power of Children gallery in April 2015 to help us reach our goal of 1,000 origami promise cranes. Visitors completed a crane or used a completed crane to write a promise or dedication on the underside of the wings. The cranes are now displayed in the gallery in front of Ryan's recreated house, where we're able to look up and see a community of promises taking flight.
“I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world.” - Sadako Sasaki
