It all started, as these things often do, with an act of volunteerism. For some reason, I found myself helping out at an event at our recently opened, original location, in Lakeshore Park. It was a small building, previously used mostly to store tables and other Park District property, but there was real excitement in the air. The place was packed with families, mostly children. This was just the beginning. After volunteering for several other Children’s Museum functions, Jim Buschbach approached me with one of those offers you can’t refuse. He saw that I enjoyed pitching in at these affairs, so he suggested I might want to take it to the next level and join the Board. There was only one answer to such an offer—of course!
Since that day, well over twelve years ago, it has been quite the journey. The Museum outgrew the Lakeshore Park space and I outgrew my “basic” board position. Once again, I stepped up to serve as Board President. In my travels around the region and beyond, I have had the pleasure of serving as an ambassador for the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn. If there’s another children’s museum anywhere nearby, I make a point to visit. Whether in Chicagoland, Minnesota, Anaheim (California) or Rome (Italy), I have seen amazing child focused facilities firsthand!
At each visit, I am reminded just how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated and talented staff here in Oak Lawn, led by our tireless executive director, Adam Woodworth. Also my gratitude for our supportive community partners and donors is reinforced as I see other museums face their share of financial challenges. Beyond that, I am truly inspired by the diverse, magnificent programming and exhibits these fine institutions bring to the children in their communities. I’m always on the lookout for great ideas to bring home to Oak Lawn.
This brings me to the question, after fifteen years, what’s next? We all like to dream big. I see ever-expanding possibilities for the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn—more cutting edge exhibits, additional space, outreach into other venues and communities, as we seek to better serve the families in our region.
It has been said, the best presidents know when it’s time to step aside for new leadership and fresh perspectives. I am confident, that under the guidance of the next person to step into this role, we will continue to explore and soar for many years to come. But don’t fret, you’re not getting rid of me that easily. I’ll still be around, happy to volunteer as needed, whether on the Board or at other Children’s Museum events. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Kevin Mathers
Board President
Since that day, well over twelve years ago, it has been quite the journey. The Museum outgrew the Lakeshore Park space and I outgrew my “basic” board position. Once again, I stepped up to serve as Board President. In my travels around the region and beyond, I have had the pleasure of serving as an ambassador for the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn. If there’s another children’s museum anywhere nearby, I make a point to visit. Whether in Chicagoland, Minnesota, Anaheim (California) or Rome (Italy), I have seen amazing child focused facilities firsthand!
At each visit, I am reminded just how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated and talented staff here in Oak Lawn, led by our tireless executive director, Adam Woodworth. Also my gratitude for our supportive community partners and donors is reinforced as I see other museums face their share of financial challenges. Beyond that, I am truly inspired by the diverse, magnificent programming and exhibits these fine institutions bring to the children in their communities. I’m always on the lookout for great ideas to bring home to Oak Lawn.
This brings me to the question, after fifteen years, what’s next? We all like to dream big. I see ever-expanding possibilities for the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn—more cutting edge exhibits, additional space, outreach into other venues and communities, as we seek to better serve the families in our region.
It has been said, the best presidents know when it’s time to step aside for new leadership and fresh perspectives. I am confident, that under the guidance of the next person to step into this role, we will continue to explore and soar for many years to come. But don’t fret, you’re not getting rid of me that easily. I’ll still be around, happy to volunteer as needed, whether on the Board or at other Children’s Museum events. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Kevin Mathers
Board President
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