Mission:

To provide playful experiences that inspire and educate every child.

Vision:

We envision children and their caregivers interacting together in a safe, positive environment while learning through play, creativity, and mutual respect.

History:

The Baraboo Children’s Museum obtained a nonprofit status in April of 2018 and started as a pop-up shop in Downtown Baraboo in a 1,200 square foot space in September 2018. After four months of fun and a demand for more, the trial run was deemed a success. Jed and Traci Crouse secured a location on the east side of Baraboo for the future of the museum. After 9+ months of planning, building, painting, and organizing, the museum opened in its current location on October 19, 2019. After a brief shutdown due to COVID in 2020, the museum has been going strong with the help of volunteers and community support. Since the beginning, the museum has been staffed entirely on volunteer time, energy, ideas, and determination. As of April 2023, we have grown enough to provide a limited number of paid positions.

One of the faces that you will see at the museum is Sara Noll. Miss Sara’s family was the very first family to purchase an annual pass at the pop up shop. She visited the museum multiple times per week with her youngest son while her oldest son and the Crouse’s son were in kindergarten. Miss Sara’s family not only helped move exhibits out of the old space, but helped with the planning and opening of the current space. Seeing the need for help, Miss Sara joined Mr. Jed at the museum and volunteered her time along with the other volunteers to make sure that Mr. Jed had the help that he needed. Miss Sara now serves as museum manager and can be found at the museum and most events where the museum is involved.

Future:

In March of 2022, the museum unveiled plans to install a large exhibit once funds were raised. Funds were raised by the end of October, 2022. The exhibit was installed in June 2023.

The volunteers of the museum work tirelessly to bring new events, exhibits, and activities throughout the year. Be sure to check the Facebook events page for the most up to date listings of what is and will be happening!