Why does Lee look different? Why does Carmen talk funny? What’s wrong with that boy’s legs?
These are some of the questions children can explore at “People,” a new permanent exhibit at Kohl Children’s Museum in Wilmette.
Through a variety of activities, “People” celebrates the various cultures that make up the Chicago area and addresses the feelings of prejudice among young children.
The goal of the exhibit is to reach children at a young age, before their racial attitudes become entrenched.
Starting Monday, there will be 10 days of special events involving the exhibit, including creating a rainbow people collage on Thursday, and the Lake Forest Children’s Theatre’s presentation of the play, “Free To Be You and Me,” at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 7.
The exhibit is made up of several components, such as a newborn nursery with baby dolls of various races so that children will learn that in many ways people are the same at birth. There is also a dance stage and props so that visitors can learn dances from many cultures.
At an interactive video station titled “Bridge to Understanding,” visitors meet children of other cultures who tell their stories and experiences with prejudice.
The sign in the main room seems to summarize what the museum hopes its visitors, young and old, will remember: “We are different in many ways, but underneath we’re all the same.”
The museum, at 165 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout August. Admission is $3; free for children under age 1. For more information, call 708-256-6056.
