New Children’s Museum Opens in South Bend
The Children's Museum of South Bend (photo courtesy: South Bend Tribune/Michael Caterina)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA new children’s museum with a focus on STEAM subjects has opened in South Bend, fulfilling a dream of a mother whose son died from complications of influenza. The South Bend Tribune reports the Children’s Museum of South Bend is currently operating in a “soft opening” phase but hopes to be fully open later this summer.
The museum was created by Emilie Utigard and a group of friends. Utigard’s five-year-old son Finn died in 2018.
“Like a lot of little boys, he loved science. He loved planets. He loved dinosaurs. He loved all of that good stuff,” said Utigard.
A few months after Finn’s death, his mom and her friends came up with an idea to create a children’s museum in South Bend to honor his memory.
The publication says the museum is filled with dozens of exhibits and activities. Although it caters mainly to children ages 1 to 8, Utigard says there are activities that will also interest older children.
“It’s about encouraging creativity,” said Utigard, who points out the designs focus on STEAM, or science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Utigard says the museum is partnering with two nonprofits to arrange for children of low-income families to visit the museum. Click here to view the full story from the South Bend Tribune.