'Stories of the Nickel Plate' Opens at the Edwardsville Children's Museum with 'All Aboard' Train Event

Sunday, September 17, 2023
This event has already passed.

The Edwardsville Children's Museum (ECM) invites the community to get their first look – and first listen – of “Stories of the Nickel Plate” during a special opening event. The day includes free admission to ECM and Nickel Plate Station and children’s train rides around the ECM campus.

For more than 80 years, Nickel Plate Station set the scene for many Edwardsville residents’ stories, whether individuals were traveling out of town or returning home from an adventure. Edwardsville Children’s Museum (ECM) is excited to share a collection of these memorable tales with its new exhibit, “Stories of the Nickel Plate,” located at the Windland Education Center at Nickel Plate Station and opening with a free family event on September 17.

Through visuals and audio, this interactive exhibit introduces children and their families to four storytellers from bygone eras who passed through the depot’s doors. From Phil Schafer, who boarded a train for boot camp during World War I, to young Florence Glass, whose trip took her to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, “Stories of the Nickel Plate” fuses the stories of the station with defining moments in our region’s history.

In addition to hearing our honorees’ memories, kids can create ones of their own by climbing aboard ECM’s new eight-foot wooden replica train to enjoy a pretend meal in the dining car or snag a mail bag like the railway post office clerks of the past. Nickel Plate’s ever-popular wooden railway table also gives little ones the chance to become conductors by engineering their own journeys.

ECM invites the community to get their first look – and first listen – of “Stories of the Nickel Plate” during a special opening event on Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The day includes free admission to ECM and Nickel Plate Station and children’s train rides around the ECM campus.

“As a train depot, Nickel Plate Station helped develop Edwardsville into the incredible city it is, and as an education center, it continues to positively impact the community,” said Kristen Fries, executive director of ECM. “'Stories of Nickel Plate' is one more way we are harnessing kids’ love of trains and travel to connect them to our region’s rich history.”

“Stories of Nickel Plate” and its opening day festivities are funded in part by the Edwardsville Community Foundation and the City of Edwardsville.

Stories of the Nickel Plate is happening from 12:30 to 4 p.m. 

For more information, go to edwardsvillechildrensmuseum.org

 

Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
   
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Things to Do

Kindergarten Prep
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Your child is old enough to start kindergarten, are they ready? Are you? At this special presentation, both you and your child will get a brief overview of what is expected before your child even enters the classroom. You'll also receive a free backpack and school supplies. Registration is required.

View this event »
Sensory Story Time
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Monday, October 2, 2023
Monday, October 9, 2023

Sensory Story Time is geared to families with young children who are on the autism spectrum or who have sensory needs. Children of all abilities are welcome.

View this event »
Trike Town at The Magic House

Adventures abound at Trike Town, the outdoor, child-size city at The Magic House. Kids can pick out their favorite little red tricycle and explore the entire city. The adventure includes a stop at the craft shop, where kids can create their own fall-themed craft, a candy shop, firehouse and more. 

View this event »
Teaching in Room 9 from Nine PBS

New this season, Teaching in Room 9 takes learning beyond the classroom as viewers discover our region's resources. Children will explore the coloring wall at the Missouri History Museum, learn about dinosaurs at the Saint Louis Science Center, and experience African art and mummies at the Saint Louis Art Museum, just to name a few. 

 

View this event »
Daytime Playtime at Olympia Gymnastics
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Monday, October 2, 2023

Daytime Playtime is an open gym for children ages 2-5 where the possibilities for fun and learning (through fun) are endless! Children will participate in activities that build coordination, strength, balance and self-confidence. They'll develop stronger motor skills, social skills, and take part in theme-based creative activities

 

View this event »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Popular Stories

5 Easy Ways to Start the School Year Without Losing Your Mind

As much as I love finding fun ideas on Pinterest for magical first-day photos and perfectly curated bento box lunches complete with animal face mini sandwiches, it doesn’t help me stay sane. Instead, it makes the pressure build that I am responsible for making the new school year absolutely amazing.

Continue reading »
Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp

With the perfect blend of adventure and responsibility, camp life teaches kids valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. If you send your child to overnight camp, here are some life lessons they are likely to learn.

Continue reading »
6 Places to Find Fun on the Farm this Fall

Visiting a farm can be a real adventure for city and suburban kids. Getting up close to and even feeding farm animals can lead to lots of fun and unexpected learning. We've rounded up some tried and true nearby options where your family can spend a day in the country and meet some new barnyard friends.

Continue reading »
Your Family's Late Summer Adventure is the 2023 Greenway Quest!

Back by popular demand! The Greenway Quest from Great Rivers Greenway awaits, and this year your mission is a truly buzzworthy scavenger hunt! Take to the St. Louis area's greenways (and City Museum) to find one of 250 hand-painted bee rocks along the trails. When you find one, you'll be entered to win one of several prize packages with goodies like City Museum tickets, greenway swag and gift certificates from some of the St. Louis area's family favorites!

Continue reading »
Drawn In: The New Animated, Literacy-Boosting Series that's Made in STL

Tyler, Nevaeh, Jadyn, and Grace – the fearless foursome of the new animated series “Drawn In” – have captured the imagination of viewers in St. Louis and ignited their love of learning with every new adventure. The show was conceived, created, and produced in St. Louis, and the majority of voice talent is based in the metro area. You can catch it on Nine PBS.

Continue reading »
Follow Us