Meet the Chapmans!

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4 Year old Piper, Riding the 1916 carousel at the museum.

​ Each year, the museum serves hundreds of children and their families, and one of these people is 4 year old Piper. Piper and her family are regulars at the museum and have been members since 2019. They enjoy all the rides and games everyone else does, and also participate in many of the museum’s annual events like Halloween Spooktacular. To Piper and the Chapmans, the museum means so much more than just a place to catch a carousel ride.
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Piper has autism, and can struggle with some tasks kids her age take for granted. According to her parents 

     “Piper has struggled eating on her own. The museum understands her needs . . . they are very accommodating and allow us to utilize the museums’ kiddie room to have lunch at the table. She sits and practices eating on her own and then we can go play. It encourages her to focus on eating and then she can be rewarded by riding the carousel and walking around the museum.”

The museum is proud to be a safe, family-friendly place in which all are welcome. ​

According to Piper’s parents “On special occasions at the museum, the staff have gone above and beyond to accommodate Piper and her needs. Where that means modifying a certain activity, or adapting on the fly, they always make sure she has a special time. This is truly a place where Piper is accepted and has the ability to grow and thrive.” 

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​To view some of our other past stories, click the links below:
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2020
​2021 
​2022

What does my donation support?

Donations like yours go to support our ongoing initiatives to make the museum accessible to all, including families like the Chapmans. Additionally, our family-friendly programs, events, and exhibits are all supported by your generous donations.

ExamPLES OF supported PROGRAMS

The museum is proud to feature many Accessibility programs. More information on all of the programs are available on the link above.
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One such program is the Sensory Backpack Program. The museum has four backpacks filled with items that can help enhance the museum experience some guests. Item include sunglasses, weighted blankets, and noise cancelling headphones. These backs are available to barrow for no cost in the Museum Gift Shop.

Reduced Admission Programs

The museum also participates in multiple initiatives to make sure everyone can visit the museum. These programs allow greater access to families and community members that would not be able to attend due to economic barriers. These programs are very important, but cut into the museum bottom line. Your donation today helps the museum continue to provide these services to the greater community.

Museums For All- $3.00 admission for up to six families members with a valid EBT card.

Arts Access Pass Program- Free admission to the pass holder and one guests for general admission. This program is for low-income families.

Blue Star Program- Free admission to active duty military and their family from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day.
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Summer Nights at the Museum- A Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Exclusive, where the museum is open special evening hours for $1 admission evening. These events could not happen without generous sponsors, like 2023 Partners Aquasol Corporation & Ross Service Station.