CHOM News
Where Learning & Play Go Hand In Hand.
CHOM Announcement
CHOM ANNOUNCEMENT The CHOM board of directors would like to thank Sarah Flashing for her role as executive director over the past couple of years. As CHOM transitions back to a completely volunteer run organization, the days and hours that the museum is open will be...
Ready? Set?…..Learning through Play Resumes Soon!
In our lifetime, few of us imagined we'd experience anything like what is happening today. But like each of you, CHOM is optimistic about the future and about life resuming outside of our homes in the coming weeks. We are getting ready to GO and we hope you are as...
CHOM Joins ‘Museums for All’ Nationwide Initiative
The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois (CHOM) has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all...
Volunteer of the Month: Mary Ware
Special thanks to Mary Ware for her hard work and commitment to the mission of the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois. Thank you to Culver’s of Freeport for their recognition of the work of CHOM and sponsoring this program each month to say thank you to our volunteers!
Press Release: New Sensory Exhibit to Help Children with Disabilities Opens July 26th at the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois
Freeport, Illinois – July 16, 2019 – A new Sensory Room exhibit will open on Friday, July 26, following a ribbon cutting ceremony facilitated by the Greater Freeport Partnership at noon. “All children need encouragement and support. We at CHOM have created a...
Grand Opening of New Sensory Exhibit at CHOM: Friday, July 26 at 12 PM
CHOM is dedicated to making sure individuals with disabilities are not overlooked when visiting. Our goal is to provide a place where all individuals feel welcome. We have consulted with therapists and identified what is needed for the inclusion of all children to...
Volunteer of the Month: Lenora Luecke
Special thanks to Lenora Luecke for her hard work and commitment to the mission of the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois. Thank you to Culver’s of Freeport for their recognition of the work of CHOM and sponsoring this program each month to say thank you to our volunteers!
Play a Role in Play-Filled Learning: 10 Reasons to Volunteer at CHOM
"Play is an important vehicle for developing self-regulation and promoting language, cognition, and social competence” according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. But there is growing concern about the reduction in child-directed,...
Job Opening: Volunteer Coordinator
CHOM is now accepting applications for the position of Volunteer Coordinator. The Volunteer Coordinator, recruits volunteers, provides direction, coordination, and consultation for all volunteer functions within CHOM. Must be able to work on site Wednesday through...
Volunteer of the Month: Diane Simmer
Special thanks to Pam Watter for her hard work and commitment to the mission of the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois. Thank you to Culver’s of Freeport for their recognition of the work of CHOM and sponsoring this program each month to say thank you to our volunteers!
Volunteer of the Month: Pam Watter
Special thanks to Pam Watter for her hard work and commitment to the mission of the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois. Thank you to Culver’s of Freeport for their recognition of the work of CHOM and sponsoring this program each month to say thank you to our volunteers!
Community Benefits of a Children’s Hands-On Museum
Hands-On museums are designed in such a way to be a vehicle for exploration that leads to both fun and learning.
Did You Know? Children Learn Through Play
"We need to consider that young children learn in quite different ways [than adults]. They learn by comparing physical experiences, by interactions with other people and their own feelings. And they learn an enormous amount through their imagination.... Play is what...
From the CHOM President: April 2019
CHOM is a hand’s-on, play-based children’s museum located in Freeport, IL. With 15 interactive exhibits, CHOM is an ideal destination for family and school visits, and birthday parties too. CHOM is a nonprofit organization and opened it’s doors on March 22, 2019....
CHOM Needs Your Help!
Volunteers are critical to the success of the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois in serving the children and adults of our region. CHOM has adult and youth volunteer opportunities that accommodate a wide variety of interests and availabilities.
Donation from Golden K
The Golden K Kiwanis presented a $1,000 donation to the Children's Hands-On Museum (CHOM) of Northwest Illinois. Shown below (left to right) are Mike Reichert (VP Golden K Kiwanis), Gwynne French (Public Relations CHOM), Shirley Jordan (VP CHOM), Susan Walt (Treasurer...
CHOM Renovations & Progress
Renovations are moving along on our space at the Lincoln Mall in Freeport. Here is the latest progress.
Buy Your Tickets Today For Our Second Annual Frosty Ball
Children’s Hands-On Museum of NW Illinois is hosting its Second Annual Frosty Ball at Grand River Hall on January 26, 2019. Gathering hour for this formal event is 6:00 p.m., with dinner at 7:00 followed by music and dancing. The dessert bar is not to be missed. A...