The Vision of Anne Bradshaw Craig
The Children’s Museum of the Shoals began with the vision of one
remarkable woman. In 1995, Anne Bradshaw Craig dreamed of creating a
place where children could learn through play, explore their creativity, and
develop a lifelong love of discovery. She shared that vision with educators,
business leaders, parents, artists, attorneys, financial professionals, and
community advocates who believed the Shoals deserved a museum
designed especially for its children.
Together, this dedicated group established a Board of Directors, developed
the museum’s mission and governing structure, secured nonprofit status,
and sought guidance from children’s museum experts across the country.
Their shared goal was clear: to create an engaging, hands-on environment
where children could celebrate the uniqueness of the Shoals while building
creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.
In 1996, the Board invited the community to participate in a large-scale
visioning event that included families, children, educators, civic leaders,
and museum professionals. Children’s ideas and enthusiasm helped shape
the museum’s future, while community feedback confirmed that a children’s
museum would fill an important need throughout the Shoals.
The City of Florence generously provided the historic home at the entrance
to Deibert Park as the museum’s first home. Working with renowned
children’s museum designer Reb Haizlip, the museum’s exhibits were
thoughtfully created to reflect the history, culture, and character of the
Shoals. In 2001, the Children’s Museum of the Shoals officially opened its
doors, quickly becoming a beloved destination where generations of
children learned, imagined, and played.
Like many nonprofit organizations, the Children’s Museum has experienced
seasons that required resilience, adaptability, and renewed community
support. Through every stage of its journey, Anne Craig’s original vision
has remained the guiding force behind the museum’s mission.
Following a major renovation and exhibit renewal, the museum welcomed
families back in 2017 with renewed energy and excitement. Since then, the
Children’s Museum has continued to evolve, creating meaningful learning
experiences for thousands of children while strengthening partnerships
throughout the region.
Today, the museum is experiencing one of its most exciting chapters. In
2026, the Children’s Museum of the Shoals has embraced a season of
remarkable growth, highlighted by revitalized exhibits, expanded
educational programming, increased community partnerships, successful
fundraising initiatives, and a renewed commitment to serving children and
families across the Shoals.
Anne Craig’s vision continues to inspire every child who walks through the
museum’s doors. Her belief that learning should be joyful, imaginative, and
accessible remains the foundation upon which the Children’s Museum of
the Shoals continues to grow. More than three decades after that first
conversation, her dream is not only alive—it is thriving.