'It starts with our itty-bitty ones': Illinois state museum observes pride month with kids

The Illinois State Museum began its Pride month celebration on Thursday with a free event designed to help kids explore their curiosity.

The event, part of a program called Curious Kids, allowed children up to age five and their guardians to create rainbows, learn about the meaning of each color, and read books pertaining to pride.

"We really try to reflect the themes of what's happening outside the museum walls so June is pride month and it's a subject that's everywhere right now," said Jamila Wicks, advancement director for the Illinois state museum society. "You’re gonna see it at the stores you walk into with your children, where you eat, and there are so many types of family units, so children are curious and we’re providing a space for them to explore."

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The program is held once a month and explores a variety of topics that relate to current events including social justice, empathy, and science. 

Interim director of the museum, Jenn Edginton said the programs goal is to highlight inclusion and build empathy in kids while they are young.

"For this time in particular it's rainbows, so we’re talking about all the colors you’d see on the pride flag that we have lined outside our museum and bringing in science to really build that inclusive world that we want to see," she said. "It starts with our itty-bitty ones that may have parents or loved ones who belong to the LGBTQ+ community and instilling that understanding that we’re all different but can work together early on."

Parents and children learned about the role of light in rainbows, saw projections and made their own walking rainbows using colored water and tissue paper to build bridges during the Thursday activity.

Wicks said part of the effort with the program is to take away the stigma of fear around the unknown and encourage inclusiveness through education.  

"When we talk about pride month kids know rainbows and it may resonate or it may not. They may see it and think 'oh these are just pretty colors,' but either way there's an environment." Wicks said. "The museum is here to tell all stories, be a resource for people with lived experiences, and cultivate curiosity about you, yourself, and your neighbors. I think that space takes away the fear."

The program began in February and will run all year-round. Edginton said each month there will be activities that expose kids to elements that represent all Illinois communities. 

"We did some for black history month, women's history,  and we’ve had repeat visitors which is always a good sign that the program is creating a place to learn and have fun."

July's theme is ice cream in recognition of national ice cream month. Children will explore what the treat means to different cultures. 

For more information about the Curious Kids program and future events visit www.illinoisstatemuseum.org