*What does "Wakanheza" mean?
Wakanheza is the Dakota word for "child" and its closest English translation is "sacred being."
An Introduction
The practices and principles of Wakanheza are simple, but require a planned organizational approach.
Workshop Toolkit
Find all the resources you will need to deliver a Supporting Parents in Public Workshop at your museum.
> Learn More
Learn more about the Wakanheza Project in the community including links to current news, articles and partner organizations.
Learn More About the Wakanheza Project
“Wakanheza has changed the way I see parents who are struggling with children’s behavior in public places and has given me the tools and confidence to intervene in these difficult situations.” – David Hubbard, visitor services asst. manager at Minnesota Children’s Museum
History of Wakanheza
Minnesota Children’s Museum has been part of this initiative for more than four years. Read about the steps involved in bringing this project to life in a museum. Our story
Partnerships
Creating new partnerships, or expanding current ones, is a great way to Support Parents in Public in your community. Read more about Partnerships
Albany Elementary
After coming attending a workshop at Minnesota Children’s Museum, staff at Albany Elementary School brought Wakanheza to their school in a big way.
Links
The Wakanheza Project website
Produced by the Ramsey County Department of Health, this website contains program materials and information for organizations and individuals interested in Wakanheza. Visit the site.
Wakanheza e-newsletter
Produced by the Ramsey County Department of Public Health, this e-newsletter keeps you up-to-date on all the latest Wakanheza news. Read and share stories and learn more about upcoming sessions and program sustainability practices. Sign up now!
Articles
Association of Children's Museum article
Joe Olson, Minnesota Children's Museum's vice president of visitor and volunteer services, describes Supporting Parents in Public. The article appeared in the Association of Children's Museum's (ACM) quarterly journal, Hand to Hand. (View/Download PDF)
Sacred Beings article
A Minnesota Children's Museum employee reflects on a workshop and how it relates to everyday life. (View/Download PDF)
For more information about Supporting Parents in Public in a museum setting, please contact us.
Joe Olson
Vice President of Visitor Experience
651-225-6017
Jessica Turgeon
Visitor Services Manager
651-225-6030
Hours
- Monday - Thursday:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Closed Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Subject to change.
3-HOUR PARKING ONLY $3
Prices
Ages 1-101: $8.95
Museum Members: Free
Children under one: Free
Call 651-225-6000 or
Voted BEST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 2008 and 2009 by Nickelodeon’s Parent Connect!
