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1976/10/01 - Children's Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana
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1069250
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1976/10/01 - Children's Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Frances K. Pullen Files
Frances Pullen's Speech Reading Copies
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President (1974-1977 : Ford). Office of the First Lady. 1974-1977
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The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "Children's Museum, Indianapolis,
Indiana, October 1, 1976" of the Frances K. Pullen Papers at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 4 of the Frances K. Pullen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Background, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis opened in
December, 1975, the third museum for children in America.
The first was located in Brooklyn, the second in Boston.
A wealthy Indianpolis woman visited the Brooklyn museum,
and with three other women organized the Indianapolis
museum. It opened in a carriage house.
The Museum has had three directors, including
the current one, Ms. Mildred Compton. Chartered by
the state of Indiana, the Museum is owned, operated and
supported by the citizens of Indianapolis and surrounding
areas. A volunteer Board of Trustees formulates policy
and oversees the administration of the Museum.
Overcrowding and lack of exhibit space prompted
planning for the new facility. A fund drive, which began
in late 1972, has raised almost $9 million. With a
challenge grant of $3.5 million from the Lilly Endowment
Inc. as an incentive, the museum raised the rest of the
money from the public. (91-year-old Eli Lilly may be
there during your visit. The late Mrs. Lilly was a long-time
trustee and patron of the Museum.)
The emphasis at the Museum on participation and
involvement of the visitors is described in the attached
article from The Christian Science Monitor.
A kindergarten student, Britt Schneider, drew the
picture which is being used on the poster announcing the
opening. He has sent you an autographed copy, and he
will be involved in the program in some way.
-0-
Highlights:
--A reconstructed 19th century firehouse with a
horsedrawn steam pumper and hand pumper in the
Indiana Firefighters Gallery.
--A reconstructed Victorian railway station, home
of Reuben Wells, a wood-burning steam locomotive.
This was the most powerful railroad engine in the
world in 1868. It was named for its creator, a
master mechanic for the Jeffersonville, Madison and
Indianapolis Railroad.
--A display of early Americana, including a log cabin
and a genuine Conestoga wagon.
Galleries showing the history and life styles of the
American Indians, Eskimos and Latin Americans.
--A gallery showing the emergence of man, including
three reconstructed dinosaurs and two early mammals.
--An ancient Egypt gallery, featuring the mummy of a young
girl, a great favorite with the children.
--A natural science gallery and small arboretum to show
Indiana's plants, insects, birds and geology.
--A kaleidoscope room for children under seven to help
them develop their physical senses.
--A gallery featuring the cultures of Africa, Europe,
the South Seas ans Asia with concentration on Japan
and China.
--A theatre seating 360.
-0-
Kaye
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 17, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO:
PETER SORUM
FROM:
SUSAN PORTER
SUBJECT:
Action Memo
Mrs. Ford has accepted the following out-of-town invitation:
EVENT: Tour of the new facilities at The Children's Museum
in Indianapolis, Indiana
DATE: Friday, October 1, 1976
TIME: To Be Determined
PLACE: The Children's Museum
30th and Meridian Streets
Indianapolis, Indiana
CONTACT: Polly Jontz
Director of Development and Public Relations
317-924-5431
COMMENTS: This will be the second stop this day for Mrs. Ford;
the first, as of this writing, is yet to be determined.
The dedication of the beautiful new facilities at The
Children's Museum in Indianapolis is an invitation to
Mrs. Ford which has been "high on the list" ever since
learning about it. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis,
this year celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, is the
third oldest children's museum in the country and is a
pioneer in the field of museum education through its
varied collections. Museums for children are an
American phenomenon; The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
will be the largest museum for children in the world.
- 2 -
Because of Mrs. Ford's participation in the cancer center dedication
in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, she will not be able to attend the
formal museum dedication also on Saturday. She will, however, tour
The Children's Museum on Friday late afternoon or evening and
participate in the time set aside for an open house for the
neighborhood. Brett Schneider, the first grader who drew the
winning illustration (a big green dinosaur) for the museum grand
opening poster would like to present Mrs. Ford a poster he has
autographed for her.
Mrs. Ford will overnight in Indianapolis before traveling to Houston
on Saturday. The file is attached.
Thank you.
c: BF Staff
Red Cavaney
Max Friedersdorf
Steve McConahey
William Nicholson
Jerry Jones
Terry O'Donnell
James Cavanaugh
James Connor
Jim Field
Jim Baker
Stu Spencer
Elly Peterson
William Greener III
Jud Summer
Rex Scouten
Staircase
fire station - 1880's
1920's -
9/15/76 - conversation with Polly Jontz
clemb on.
1st -
4:00-
open house for neighborhood
7:00 pm
U.S. Navy Steel Band will play
local rock station disc jockeys,
locomative + Vut. train
sports people
station
central city location, decision was made
to stay in this neighborhood
no ceremony,
Polly said she didn't think it would be
natural science area-
the best thing for Mrs. Ford
cave
children's art
30th -
invitational open house for members and
context
donors
others an
small ceremony at 5:00 to present
membership to child who drew
acboutum
display
green monstor
temporary
5000 invitations sent out.
3:00-
9.00pm
Polly feels very strongly that the ded ribbon
americana log cabin
cutting on the 2nd is really the day
for Mrs. Ford, that's when the
carpenter shops-
coverage will be etc.
pre-history
listing
operating carousel
CUUA:
toy trains - operating
am- Falk Out collection
Colder airplane models.
The Childrens Museum
30th & Meridian Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 317 924-5431
Date
August 25, 1976
Miss Susan Porter
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20006
Dear Miss Porter:
Now that the Republican convention has ended I am
sure there are many decisions being made in The
White House concerning Mrs. Ford's fall schedule.
We at The Children's Museum want to reiterate our
invitation to Mrs. Ford to participate in the
dedication of the museum at 9:30 a.m. Saturday,
October 2. As you may remember, this museum will
be, upon its opening that day, the largest of its
kind in the world.
I need not repeat the plans for that morning for
they were included in my last letter to you, but
only want to say they are progressing well and the
opening will be as scheduled. We do think the
museum's public dedication, which should attract
attention nationwide as well as in Indianapolis and
Indiana, would provide an excellent setting for an
Indianapolis appearance of our First Lady. Of
course, we would want her to make the major
dedicatory remarks.
As you may remember, the cutting of the ribbon
opening the new museum will be by a charming young
man, Brett Schneider, who will enter first grade
this fall. He won the honor when his illustration
of a big green dinosaur was chosen to be used on
the museum's grand opening poster and on billboards
throughout the city. He has signed a poster
especially for Mrs. Ford, and I am sending it in
care of you. Brett was thrilled to think she might
see his poster, and delighted to autograph one just
for her.
Please keep us informed as to the progress of Mrs.
Ford's plans. We hope she is well and rested from
the convention.
Sincerely,
Polly Jontz, Director
Development and Public Relations
BF Pending to Consider
Indianapolis, IN
October 1 or 2, 1976
Children's Museum Dedication
August 30, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO: MAX FRIEDERSDORP
FROM:
SUSAN PORTER
Thank you for your nemo of August 25th
regarding the dedication of the Children's
Museum in Indianapolis. This is an event we
have had on our books for several months with
the hope that Mrs. Ford would be able to
participate. Your endorsement is appreciated.
Again, thank you.
c: BF Pending to Consider (Indianapolis, October 1,2, 1976)
Jack Marsh
THE WHITE HOUSE
wWASHINGTON
August 25, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
SUSAN PORTER
FROM:
MAX FRIEDERSDORF in 6.
SUBJECT:
Invitation for the First Lady
As you are aware, indianapolis will dedicate the world's
largest Children's Museum on the morning of October 2.
The First Lady is being invited to cut the ribbon for the
event and I wish to add my recommendation that this
invitation be accepted if possible.
The facility cost $7 million and all the money was raised
privately.
Contact is: Polly Jontz - AC 317/924-5431.
CC: Jack Marsh
Sheila Weidenfeld
Bill Nicholson
BF PENDING TO CONSIDER
October 2, Indianapolis
The Children's Museum
May 10, 1976
Dear Ms. Jontz,
Your thoughtful letter telling of plans
for the dedication 06 The Children's Huseum
is greatly appreciated. Although the official
schedule is planned only a few weeks in advance,
we have noted these dates OR Mrs. Ford's calendar
with the hope she might have the pleasure of
attending. we will be in communication with
you closer to the date when Hrs. Ford's plans
are more fully determined.
with warmest regards,
Sincerely,
Susan Porter
Appointments Secretary
for Mrs. Ford
Ms. Polly Jontz
Director, Development and
Public Relations
The Children's Museum
30th and Meridian
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
SP/sr
c: BF Pending to Consider (October 2, 1976, Indianapolis)
ENCLOSED MATERIAL SENT TO MRS. FORD'S FILES
The Children's Museum 30th & Meridian Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 317 924-5431
April 26, 1976
Miss Susan Porter
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20006
Dear Miss Porter:
Last August Frances B. Julian, trustee of this museum and chairman of
the grand opening of the new museum, wrote to Mrs. Ford asking her to
participate in our gala opening this fall. At the same time we wrote
to Warren S. Rustand and Mrs. Melvin R. Laird reiterating our invitation
to Mrs. Ford. Mrs. Laird is from Indianapolis and is familiar with The
Children's Museum.
Last Friday when President Ford was in Indianapolis some representatives
from the White House previewed our museum at the invitation of Dr. Landrum
Bolling, president of Lilly Endowment. The opinion expressed at the
conclusion of the tour was that a visit from Mrs. Ford might be very
appropriate at the time of our opening. So it is our hope that she might
be responsive to a reminder of the invitation to participate in this
important cultural event.
Originally we invited Mrs. Ford to the dinner for 400 persons who gave
generously to the museum's funding campaign making the fabulous new
facilities possible. That dinner is September 29, and of course we would
be honored were she to attend. Meanwhile, however, the plans have
expanded and we would like to extend our invitation to the public dedication
to be at 9:30 a.m. October 2, 1976, where her attendance might be of
greatest benefit to each of us. An alternative date might be the opening
for 5,000 members on Thursday, September 30. The public dedication is open
to everyone and will climax the week of festivities. We are expecting
excellent news coverage which would, of course, be heightened were Mrs.
Ford to participate.
The Children's Museum 30th & Meridian Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 317 924-5431
Although plans are still being formulated for. the ceremony, the ribbon
will be cut by a kindergartener. An article concerning him is in the
enclosed material. A time capsule of children's art, poetry, essays
and music may be presented to the museum for safekeeping by the Indianapolis
Public Schools at that event. Representatives Andrew Jacobs, Elwood Hillis
and David Evans will be in attendance and Governor Otis Bowen and Mayor
William Hudnut also have accepted invitations to be present.
As we said in our original letter to Mrs. Ford, upon its opening this
museum will be the largest museum for children in the world. We have
just celebrated the museum's fiftieth anniversary, marking a half century
of education through museum interpretation, and count as our public
"anyone who is or ever was a child." Because museums for children are
an American phenomenon, it would be particularly appropriate if Mrs.
Ford, representing our nation and committed as she is to cultural life,
could participate in the public dedication of this wonderful new museum.
I am enclosing a compilation of background materials which will inform
you and Mrs. Ford of this unique institution. We would hope that you
will be as enthusiastic as we and will allow us to share with Mrs. Ford
this most important moment.
We look forward to hearing from you. Please let us know if we can provide
additional information.
Sincerely,
trily Jortz Jontz,
Development and Public Relations
CC: Dr. Landrum Bolling
enc.
PJ/cd
3010 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, BOX 88207, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46208, PHONE 317-925-9263 / Director: Mildred S. Compton:
of Trustees: David H. Kenny, President, Jack R. Shaw, 1st Vice President, Mrs. Richard D. Wood, 2nd Vice President, Mrs. J. William Julian, Recording Secretary, Mrs. Alex M. Clark,
sponding Secretary, Jerome C. Steketee, Treasurer, Frederic D. Anderson, Alex S. Carroll, Robert P. Cronin, Charles R. Davis, William L. Elder, Omer H. Foust, Mrs. Edward Gallahue,
A. Heidenreich, John J. Heidt, Jr., Robert E. Heine, Mrs. John P. Holton, Philip S. Kappes, Merle F. Kuhlman, Luke D. Lanford, Thomas R. Lugar, Frank E. McKinney, Jr., Robert H. Mc.
Mrs. Walter Myers, Jr., John D. Pittman, George H. Rawls, Harley W. Rhodehamel, Mrs. Joseph A. Rothbard, Raymond G. Sweeney, Martha L. McCardle, School Board Representative; HI
Trustees: Reily G. Adams, Mrs. Walter C. Hiser, A. Malcolm McVie, Mrs. Wilson Mothershead, Henry J. Peirce, John G. Rauch, Jr., Mrs. Frederic W. Taylor, George L. Varnes; Guild Pre
Mrs. Frank E. McKinney, Jr.
August 19, 1975
Mrs. Gerald Ford
The White House
Washington D.C.
Children's
Museum
Dear Mrs. Ford:
of Indianapolis
One of the most exciting occasions in the arts,
the dedication of the new Children's Museum, will
take place in Indianapolis September 29, 1976.
The Children's Museum will be, on completion, the
largest of its kind in the world.
The Trustees cordially invite you to a formal
dinner in the museum that night to honor those very
important persons who gave so generously to make the
fabulous new building possible. Other significant
people in the museum and cultural field will be
included to make this a truly memorable event.
Following dinner the theater will be dedicated to
the late Mrs. Eli Lilly with a brief entertainment.
Mrs. Lilly was a museum patron and trustee for many years.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, this year
celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, is the third
oldest children's museum in the country and is a pioneer
in the field of museum education through its varied
collections. Museums for children are an American
phenomenon. It would be particularly appropriate if you,
representing our nation and committed as you are to our
cultural life, could participate in the grand opening of
this wonderful new museum.
I am sending to Mr. Rustand a compilation of pertinent
background materials concerning the museum which will
inform him of this unique institution and will demonstrate
the appropriateness of your participation. We
hope you will talk with Mr. Rustand concerning
the background materials, that you will be as
enthusiastic as we about the Children's Museum,
and will allow us to share with you this most
important moment.
Sincerely,
Prances B. Julian
Mrs. J. William Julian, Chairman
Grand Opening Committee
6917 North Pennsylvania
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
JWJ/dw
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 21, 1975
NOTE FOR SUSAN PORTER
Susan -
Since Warren is away (in Arizona)
and this is an invitation to Mrs. Ford,
may I leave with you for response?
Many thanks.
mard
Mary Rawlins
3010 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, BOX 88207, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46208, PHONE 317-925-9263 / Director: Mildred S. Compto
of Trustees: David H. Kenny, President, Jack R. Shaw, 1st Vice President, Mrs. Richard D. Wood, 2nd Vice President, Mrs. J. William Julian, Recording Secretary, Mrs. Alex M. Clar
sponding Secretary, Jerome C. Steketee, Treasurer, Frederic D. Anderson, Alex S. Carroll, Robert P. Cronin, Charles R. Davis, William L. Elder, Omer H. Foust, Mrs. Edward Gallahue,
A. Heidenreich, John J. Heidt, Jr., Robert E. Heine, Mrs. John P. Holton, Philip S. Kappes, Merle F. Kuhlman, Luke D. Lanford, Thomas R. Lugar, Frank E. McKinney, Jr., Robert H. M
Mrs. Walter Myers, Jr., John D. Pittman, George H. Rawls, Harley W. Rhodehamel, Mrs. Joseph A. Rothbard, Raymond G. Sweeney, Martha L. McCardle, School Board Representative;
Trustees: Reily G. Adams, Mrs. Walter C. Hiser, A. Malcolm McVie, Mrs. Wilson Mothershead, Henry J. Peirce, John G. Rauch, Jr., Mrs. Frederic W. Taylor, George L. Varnes; Guild P
Mrs. Frank E. McKinney, Jr.
ACTION
T/D
SCHEDIN E 90.
DATE RECEIVED
August 19, 1975
AUG 21 1975
MESSAGE
SPEAKERS BUREAU
OTHER
Mr. Warren S. Rustand
Director of Scheduling
APPOINTMENT OFFICE
The White House
Children's
Washington D.C.
Museum
of Indianapolis
Dear Mr. Rustand:
A series of events beginning with a formal dinner
September 29, 1976, will celebrate the grand opening
of the new facilities of the Children's Museum of
Indianapolis. The dinner will honor those very
important persons who gave generously to the $9 million
fund raising effort, making possible the building of the
largest museum for children in the world. In addition
to dinner that evening, the museum's theater will be
dedicated to the late Mrs. Eli Lilly, long a trustee and
patron of the Children's Museum. Other special guests
will be national dignitaries and it is to this event
we are inviting Mrs. Ford.
Enclosed is a compilation of pertinent background
materials concerning the museum and a copy of the
letter I am sending her. After you have glanced
through this material we hope you will share our
enthusiasm about this special place devoted to the
education and enjoyment of children of all ages.
We hope Mrs. Ford will want to participate in this
memorable occasion as our very special guest. It
would seem fitting that Mrs. Ford should represent our
country as the Children's Museum, with its new
facilities, continues its 50 years of leadership in
education for children through museum objects and
museum-related activities.
We look forward to hearing from you or Mrs. Ford
concerning her participation, and will be happy
to provide you, or her, with any additional
information that may be needed, and to develop the
plans that would be necessary for her appearance here.
Sincerely,
Prances B. Solian
Mrs. J. William Julian, Chairman
Grand Opening Committee
6917 North Pennsylvania
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
JWJ/dw