FM #1835 - Children's Museum of Franklin Ribbon Cutting- 09/23/26

When we opened the doors at Children's Museum of Franklin, we opened this building at 6,400 square feet.

It was built around a simple but powerful idea that children and families deserve a place where they can discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration.

Today, we get to grow this vision to an additional 4,400 square feet.

And while we're incredibly excited of what this means for the children who will run and explore and imagine and create out in this space, what makes it particularly meaningful is how we got here.

Because this outdoor play zone was not built just by one person or one organization or one funder.

It was built for community by community.

And that's the way that this whole space was built.

The Children's Museum of Franklin was brought together by this whole community together.

The museum exists because people in our community and around our community knew that they could create something special when they came together.

And then they rolled up their sleeves and helped us make it happen.

So the outdoor play zone is another example of that same spirit.

So many people that are here today with us have helped to bring this space to life from donors and funders to construction and design partners, local businesses, elected officials and community leaders.

Of course, all of the family and friends that come here to play every day.

Some of you gave financially.

Some of you shared expertise.

Some of you helped us design and problem solve and advocate.

Some showed up when we needed an extra set of hands, which has happened many times.

And many of you have been here cheering us on since this museum was just an idea, which Jamie reminded me was three years ago today.

All of this happened because you helped build it.

So we want to recognize all of you here today who have helped this incredible dream come to life, because we truly couldn't have done it without you, without your time, without your treasure, and without your talent.

So we'd like to shout out Gorelick Farms.

We have a whole team from Gorelick Farms here.

Gorelick Farms was our first supporter of our first exhibit in our outdoor play zone.

We can't wait to bring you all out there shortly to see our Farm to Fridge exhibit.

It's so much fun and an incredible business partner in the town of Franklin as well.