What began with a simple social media survey has turned into an extraordinary organization serving the youth of West Central Illinois.
In 2019, lifelong Quincy resident and mom, Amy Peters, recognized the need for an accessible environment in which children and their families could learn and play through hands-on exhibits. The nearest organization of this kind is about 110 miles away from Quincy, Illinois, making it difficult or impossible for many families to experience.
“I envisioned a place where families didn’t have to drive hours or spend a ton of money to enjoy hands-on museum experiences,” she shared. “The project blossomed into a community-supported initiative to keep these enriching experiences ‘in our own backyard.’” Within the first week, the survey received over 600 enthusiastic responses. In early 2022, this momentum turned the Quincy Children’s Museum (QCM) from a vision into a reality as they announced the acquisition of the historic Quincy Paper Box Company building at 230 N 3rd Street as its permanent home. This phased renovation project fits perfectly into QCM’s core mission: to transform lives through experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, connection, and discovery.
Currently, QCM is located at 115 N 4th Street — a temporary 3,000 SF space which has welcomed visitors from 44 states in just 18 months while fundraising efforts continue. QCM’s current programs include:
The renovation project will offer several benefits to staff and visitors alike, including expanded capacity (along with a large outdoor space), enhanced exhibits, extended hours, added professional development opportunities, increased cultural vibrancy, and family retention. It will also benefit the city by serving as a restored riverside landmark, cultural anchor, and a way to boost tourism and economic growth. QCM hopes to have a fully operational, permanent facility within the next two to three years.
While QCM is offering its service to the public, demand often exceeds their resources, leaving them with no choice but to turn away families when their current facility reaches capacity. Rather than becoming discouraged, Peters remains excited and hopeful for the future of the organization, looking forward to more birthday celebrations, first steps, and new discoveries.
“I am most excited about being in a space that is truly ours. So much planning and prep has gone into it, late nights, tons of meetings, surprises, tears, and laughter,” Amy reflected. “To be able to open our doors there will feel like we have really accomplished something that the community has waited a long time for.”
QCM is currently at the halfway point in their $4 million campaign. The organization hopes to open the permanent location’s doors to the public about 12 to 18 months after fundraising is complete.
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