Elmhurst museum celebrating children and the power of words

Theater has a way of bringing stories to life in ways that can be moving, provocative and memorable.

Throughout the run of its current exhibit, "The Power of Children: Making a Difference," the Elmhurst History Museum has tapped the power of theater as an educational tool during a series of pop-up performances by GreenMan Theatre Troupe in the museum gallery space.

Building on this theatrical learning experience, the museum will present a one-hour performance at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, in its Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave.

"The Power of Performance with GreenMan Theatre" will evoke characters discussed in the displays of the "Power of Children" exhibit, including Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father and sole survivor of his family during the Holocaust; Ryan White, the young boy who experienced prejudice and expulsion from school in the early 1980s when it was discovered he had contracted the AIDS virus; and Mrs. Newkirk, a character based on Ruby Bridges' teacher, who taught Ruby in an isolated classroom in the early 1960s as segregation laws were enacted in the South.

In addition, Emma Boghossian will return as Anne Frank in a reprise performance of her portrayal of the young girl and Holocaust victim.

The performance is free for children 17 or younger and $5 for adults. Registration is required and can be made online at elmhursthistory.org (in the Family Programs section).

"The Power of Children: Making a Difference" exhibit has been extended through Oct. 20. The exhibit shares the stories of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges and Ryan White - three children who used the power of words and actions to make a positive difference in the world.

Visitors get to know each child's story through audiovisual presentations, original artifacts and hands-on interactives. Exhibit material is serious in nature and recommended for children ages 8 and older with their families and school groups.

The exhibit is made possible by NEH on the Road, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

"The Power of Children" is organized by the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, toured by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, and sponsored locally by Elmhurst Premier Childcare. Exhibit admission is free.

For details, visit elmhursthistory.org or call (630) 833-1457.