The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Toys, dolls, art, dinos, clothing, books (and more!) from our collection and the work we do to care for and share it.

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“Little pig, little pig, let me come in.” 

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Today is Presidents' Day. Did you know that this holiday was originally established in the late 1800s in recognition of President George Washington? Now, Presidents' Day is widely viewed as a day to celebrate all the U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln. 

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You’re a cutie fry, Valentine!  

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During World War II, around 1,000 Black pilots were trained at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to be a part of the U.S. Army Air Corps. It was the first time the U.S. had opened its doors to Black pilots. This print entitled 'The Lonely Angels' is of the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group, also known as the Red Tail Bombers. They were responsible for escorting and protecting American bombers from German fighter planes, and had one of the lowest loss records of any escort flying group. 

[thechildrensmuseum]

The election for president is always newsworthy. As the headline of The Indianapolis Star proclaims, history was made in the 2008 election when Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States. Obama beat out numerous candidates in his own Democratic Party, as well as Republican candidate John McCain. 

[thechildrensmuseum]

Kumiki Puzzles were first made in the 1890s by Tsunetaro Yamanaka. There are four techniques to working these puzzles:  Oshi (push), mawashi (rotated), kendon (piece removed by up/down, left/right movement) and sayubiki (2 key pieces removed simultaneously). The key piece is always hidden.  

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Let’s welcome the Year of the Rabbit!

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Happy National Winnie the Pooh Day! This coloring book, Pooh, a Bear for all Seasons, features images of Pooh and his friends. Since it’s January in Indianapolis, Pooh and his pal Piglet are enjoying some winter fun. 

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Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15th, 1929. The first national celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday as a holiday was January 20th, 1986. The holiday is marked every year on the third Monday in January. Now, on this day, we remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy of nonviolence that spread throughout the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. King's involvement with protest marches, sit-ins, boycotts, and voter registration drives helped bring an end to racial segregation and discrimination in the South. 

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The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells” are just a few songs that are featured on this record. What is your favorite Christmas song?  

[thechildrensmuseum]

Based on the verse by Robert L. May, players can help Rudolph save Christmas! 

[thechildrensmuseum]

Did anyone else go through catalogs and circle what you wanted for Christmas? This toy and gift book is from 1954. Bicycles, dolls and trains are just some of the toys you can find in this catalog.

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Hanukkah Sameach! This book by author Roni Schooter was the winner of the National Jewish Book Award. 

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American Girl Kirsten celebrates Saint Lucia’s Day in her white gown with her head wreath.

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Did you know that the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is the most is the most visited Catholic shrine in the world?

[thechildrensmuseum]

Season’s Greetings! If you send out cards the old fashioned way, now is the time!

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St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, Sinter Klaas; all are anxiously awaited by children the world over. Don’t forget to put your shoes out for him to place your presents in!