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The Early Years

December 16, 1899

Brooklyn Children’s Museum is founded as the world’s first museum designed especially for children. The Museum opens at The Adams House in Bedford Park (now Brower Park).

1904

Anna Billings Gallup, a pioneer of children’s museums, is appointed Curator. Later, she becomes Director and Curator-in-Chief, a position she holds until her retirement in 1937.

1905

High school teens build a wireless telegraph station under the supervision of Assistant Curator Mary Day Lee. Messages are received from North Carolina to Maine.

1906

Museum receives national recognition when Anna Billings Gallup becomes one of the founders of the American Association of Museums.

1915

Children’s Museum League founded “for the purpose of introducing the Children’s Museum to every child in Brooklyn.” Members wear an eight-color celluloid badge.

1929

Eleanor Roosevelt visits for a Children’s Day celebration as the Museum’s newly renovated Smith House annex opens to the public.

Next: 1930s-1960s

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