In celebration of Smart Money Week, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum will host a special financial literacy event on Saturday, April 26, 2025, offering children and families a fun, hands-on way to learn the value of money. The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the museum, located at 9301 South Stony Island Avenue in Chicago.
Admission is $5 per person, and museum members attend for free. The afternoon will include a guest speaker, activities such as storytelling, arts and crafts, face painting, and music—all designed to teach children how to save money and make smart financial decisions. Each child will also receive a unique shredded money packet to take home.
The event aligns with the national initiative Smart Money Week, launched by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002. Now celebrated nationwide, Smart Money Week aims to help individuals of all ages better manage their personal finances through community events, workshops, and resources. This year’s theme emphasizes building savings habits early in life and understanding basic money concepts like budgeting, spending, and earning.
“Our goal is to make financial literacy fun and engaging for kids,” said Pia Montes, the museum’s media contact. “By introducing these ideas through creative activities, we’re laying the groundwork for lifelong skills.”
Founded in 1998, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum is the first and only African American children’s museum in the United States. While named after the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, the museum is actually located in the Calumet Heights community on Chicago’s far South Side. It continues to serve as a vital cultural and educational space for young children, offering exhibits and events that celebrate African American history, science, health, and now—money smarts.
The April 26 program is sponsored in part by the Illinois Arts Council, which helps support cultural events that engage youth and promote lifelong learning. For more information or to plan your visit, families can call 773-721-9301 or visit www.bronzevillechildrensmuseum.com.