Seven months in, the 6,400-square-foot space of The Children’s Museum of Franklin has seen nearly 50,000 visitors walking through its doors. In fact, last month the 501 c3 nonprofit was one of a number of burgeoning children’s museums recognized by The New York Times!

“It’s been incredible to see the response so far across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond,” says Gallagher, co-founder with Meg Hagen, “Before we opened, we anticipated folks coming an hour drive away and further, it’s incredible to see how much families are looking for places like this.”

All exhibits, she says, “get an equal amount of love,” with children and families making use of the whole facility. Recently, the museum was able to fund an exhibit they’d hoped to add to their inclusive space. 

“Amazing Airways” takes up the entirety of those two big windows,” says Gallagher, of the pneumatic tube wind system, funded by the family and in the memory of longtime beloved community member Peter Brunelli, known for his community volunteerism and facilitating the Feast of St. Rocco for many years. “It brings so much joy, with colored acrylic panels. It looks beautiful from the pit. Kids can put scarves and balls into the tubes and can change the direction of the wind,” she says.

The museum is getting ready to open its outdoor space, anticipating a June opening.

Inclusivity has been at the top of priorities for the space, Gallagher says. Recently, the museum held a private event for Hopehealth PediPal, for children with serious illness.

“One of our new friends who came,  who’s 8 years old, said to us on the way out, ‘This is the most accessible space I’ve ever been to. I can’t believe you let other kids come here to play, too.’ It was really special to hear,” says Gallagher. Thanks to the generosity of a donor, the nonprofit will continue to be able to host such groups at free and reduced admissions.

Weekends are busiest for the museum, but during the week, elementary school groups come to play, “and we’re booked up through the whole spring,” says Gallagher.

This summer will see a slight shift in hours, as the museum will be open to the public more days. It will also offer drop-in hands-on classes during summer break.

On June 15th, Children’s Museum of Franklin will hold a “Play Fore the Kids” charity golf classic, starting at 10 a.m., at Franklin Country Club. 

“All of our players and sponsors’ funding goes directly to supporting access to this space for families,” says Gallagher, also thrilled that the museum’s visitors are going out and supporting other local businesses before and after their visits.

For more information on the summer hours or the golf fundraiser, visit the museum’s website at www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org.