July 16, 1950 - July 17, 2007
Elaine Wideman-Vaughn spent 17 years creating and improving Please Touch Museum’s community programs, ultimately serving as the museum’s Vice President of Education and Community Services. A great leader, educator, student, mother, wife, and friend, Elaine came to the museum with a background in social work and a commitment to Philadelphia’s children and families.
One of Elaine’s goals was to make the museum, our programs, and our learning through play mission accessible and valuable for everyone. Elaine earned special recognition for her work on the ACES (Achievement through Community Service, Education, and Skill Building) program, and she represented the museum at a White House ceremony to accept the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ National Award for Museum Service in 2002.
Even when balancing a host of leadership roles, Elaine never forgot two key ingredients to a vibrant and inspirational life: learning and laughter. The Elaine Wideman-Vaughn Program Room is dedicated to Elaine, as there is nothing Elaine would rather do than watch over the museum’s children and families as they learn, discover, smile, laugh, and make beautiful art together in our joyful, sun-filled Program Room.
Elaine’s countless accomplishments continue to impact our visitors and community partners, and Elaine will always be part of the Please Touch Museum family.