September 2025
Celebrating 50 Years—And Looking Ahead
In October 2026, Please Touch Museum (PTM) will celebrate its 50th birthday! This milestone is not only a chance to look back with pride, but also recommit to our future as a landmark institution dedicated to the power of play.
Planning is already underway, with efforts focused on reconnecting with Alumni Board members, engaging donors and friends, and launching our anniversary fundraising campaign to build the resources that will sustain PTM for decades to come.
As part of this campaign, we are also inviting supporters to imagine their name linked with the joy and discovery of childhood. Opportunities are now available to sponsor beloved spaces like the Creative Arts Studio, Front Step, Happy Camper, Nature’s Pond, River Adventures, Roadside Attractions, Storytime Cabin, and the Wonder Theater. Each space is waiting for a champion to help bring even more of its magic to life. Together, we can ensure PTM’s next 50 years are as bold, playful, and inspiring as its first.
Additionally, we’re seeking partnerships alongside companies like Cencora—our Presenting Sponsor for the Museum’s upcoming special exhibition AlegreMENTE. If you believe that your company may have interest in partnering with PTM, we urge you to please get in touch. I can be reached at 215.581.3167 or ggoldman@pleasetouchmuseum.org.
Fresh Leadership, Big Momentum
Please Touch Museum is moving ahead with focus and energy under the leadership of Interim President & CEO Melissa Weiler Gerber. Her collaborative and transparent style has inspired confidence across our team and community. With Melissa at the helm, we are strengthening the Museum day by day, and laying the groundwork for an even brighter future. At this important moment, the renewed engagement of our former Trustees can make a real difference as well—helping us continue to be a place of discovery, joy, and learning for every child and family we serve.
Alongside Melissa, Ivy Brown has joined us as our new Chief Growth Officer. With deep roots in Philadelphia, and an extensive background in communications and marketing gained from decades of experience with blue-chip corporations, she is infusing fresh ideas into all aspects of earned revenue generation. And it is my own absolute pleasure to serve this amazing institution as its new Chief Development Officer, having served previously in a similar role at the Philadelphia Zoo. Together with our terrific PTM team, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring that every family who walks through our doors experiences the joy and wonder that only PTM can provide.
Transformative Philanthropy for Children’s Futures
This year, PTM secured a landmark investment: a $2.5 million, three-year grant from the Lilly Endowment to launch Character Quest, a research-based exhibit that helps children build social-emotional intelligence, resilience, and grit. This exciting project reflects our mission to meet children where they are, equipping them with the tools they need for a lifetime of learning and growth.
We are equally grateful to the Vanguard Group Foundation, which has committed $500,000 over two years to support Journey Together, a suite of programs that promote school readiness for our youngest learners.
PTM has also recently received $95,000 from the PNC Foundation to champion the first year of our new program Play with Purpose, which is designed to integrate play-based learning into preschool classrooms at early childhood centers that serve high percentages of students from low- to moderate-income families.
These transformative gifts underscore the confidence that leading philanthropic partners have in PTM’s vision and impact. These contributions also demonstrate how their generosity makes it possible for PTM to innovate boldly while staying true to our core belief: play has the power to change lives.
Programs That Inspire
From Discovering Democracy, a special program that brings civic engagement and community into focus for school groups, to Play Without Boundaries, which offers monthly experiences designed for children on the autism spectrum, PTM continues to deliver programming that is both joyful and deeply meaningful. These initiatives ensure that all children can see themselves reflected in the Museum and experience learning in ways that are accessible and exciting.
Equally important: FY24 saw over 123,000 of 397,000 total visitors attend the Museum through our Community Benefits Program, which provides free or deeply discounted admission. This inclusive program is one of the clearest expressions of PTM’s mission, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the chance to learn, play, and thrive.
A Renewed Home for PTM
Our beloved Memorial Hall is looking more magnificent than ever. The long-anticipated renovation of the historic marble floor is nearly complete, and the transformation is breathtaking. We express our gratitude to the McLean Contributionship for their steadfast support to help realize this vibrant restoration.
Maintaining and upgrading our home is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about creating the best possible environment for our guests. By investing in Memorial Hall, we are ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty of this national landmark while discovering the wonder of learning through play.
Strengthening for the Future
Our Board of Trustees is a critical pillar of strength for the Museum. Each Trustee is a devoted ambassador for the Museum because they believe in our mission to “change a child’s life as they discover the power of learning through play.” The Board is deeply engaged and generous with their time, talent, and resources.
As we approach our landmark anniversary, plans are underway to grow the Board to 25–30 members over the next two years, expanding our network of leaders who will help guide PTM into its next 50 years. This expansion will bring fresh voices, deeper civic connections, and new philanthropic energy to the table, so we can keep the Museum on track for a sustainable future. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions of leaders who might join us at the Board table.
Planned Giving: A Legacy of Play
For many donors, the most meaningful gifts are those that last beyond a lifetime. Planned giving offers a way to leave a legacy of play, ensuring that future generations of children will discover all that PTM has to offer. By including the Museum in your will or estate plan, you can help guarantee that this extraordinary resource remains strong for decades to come.
Planned gifts of all sizes make a powerful difference. They allow PTM to dream big, maintain our historic home, and continue creating transformative experiences for every child. If you would like to learn more about joining the growing community of supporters who are making PTM part of their legacy, we would be honored to have that conversation with you.