The annual meeting of the Delta Children’s Museum, Inc. was held on Monday, August 25 in the Roger Mailken Gallery in E. E. Bass Cultural Arts Center. Outgoing President, Brittany Frankle conducted the first portion of the meeting at which time new Board members and officers were elected and introduced. The new officers are Elizabeth McNeece, President; Arlayna Moss, 1st Vice President, Betty Coleman, Secretary; Dave Clarke, Treasurer and Dr. Lee Engel, Grant Coordinator. New Board members introduced were Camryn Burch, Katie Elliott, Lauren McCord, Sarah Ozbun, Livi Fratesi and Whitney Jones. Special guest, Amy Sellars, the Greenville Arts Council Education Coordinator was introduced. Amy addressed the group defining her roll as the liaison between the Arts Council and school educators. A “Wine and Cheese” social was held following the meeting to welcome the new board members.
“The children of the Mississippi Delta are in for another great year of fun-learning experiences,” said Delta Children’s Museum incoming President, Elizabeth McNeece, as she and the Museum Board of Directors prepare for their 2025-2026 season. The projects are funded in part by grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission, King’s Daughters and Sons Circle # 2, the Shelben Foundation, the Greenville Junior Auxiliary and the Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation along with many donations of time, talent, and funds from our program sponsors. President Elizabeth McNeece said all Museum projects are “teacher driven.” She explained that most programs are during school hours. All teachers in the public, private, and parochial schools will be given details of the events and programs the Museum will present this year. President McNeece explained the collaboration with the Greenville Arts Council noting that classroom teachers decide which projects they wish to attend and then call the Greenville Arts Council at 662-332-2246 to reserve and purchase tickets. All parents are encouraged to contact their child’s elementary teacher as the new school year begins to ensure that their child’s class will be attending these excellent learning arts programs. She said “Some parents may wish to bring their own children to the events – if so, they may purchase their tickets direct form the Greenville Arts Council as well. We encourage all groups especially scouts and birthday parties.” She added “Our home-school parents tell us our projects are a good fit for their program.”
First Vice President, Arlayna Moss explained that “times have changed and we have very few non-working mothers to bring their children to afternoon performances, therefore we are continuing our present format to present most of our programs and performances during school hours. Teachers, as well as parents, remain very positive and happy with the experience.”
The Museum will sponsor four arts educational projects this year which will make great “class trip” learning projects for students. Each teacher has the opportunity to schedule and reserve seats for their students. Most projects have a ticket price of $5.00 each with teachers and aids admitted free. All seats are by “reservation only” and no tickets will be sold at the door.
The first project of the year will be an “In School Residency” - “Puppet Workshops” by the Bits N’ Pieces Puppet Theater the week of Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10. The Bits N Pieces Puppet Theater will produce the musical play “Puss In Boots.” This workshop will introduce children to the art of wood marionette puppets. This program is free admission. The story is about the famous story of a magic cat. Step-by step-, one step at a time, Puss In Boots learns honesty is the best policy as he helps little brother Nat defeat a wicked Ogre, rescue a kidnapped Princess, and change from Paw-per to Aristo-Cat! Puss In Boots and Little brother Nat find fame and fortune, step by step, one step at a time. Puppeteer and lyricist, Jerry Bickel performs and sings the program live. Bickel received the Distinguished Career Award in Children’s/Youth Theater from the Florida Theater Conference and has made performance tours across the United States, in Europe, Asia and South America.
Since 1972 Bits N’ Pieces Puppet Theater has presented traditional children’s classic tales with many forms of puppets. This production is presented with wooden marionettes created in a traditional Czech Republic style called “Turned Wood.” The puppet company will visit five schools to present their “Puppet Workshops” which will include public, private and parochial schools in Greenville. A great Study Guide can be downloaded at www.puppetworld.com The program is age appropriate K thru 2nd grade.
The second project is “The Dinosaur Quest of Dr. T-Rex” by Paul Adams with Great Shows for Kids on Tuesday, November 11 at 9:00 and 11:00 am in Sykes Hall at Washington School with a admission fee of $5.00 per person. Dr. T-Rex is a well-versed Paleontologist who is also a ton of laughts! His one-of-a-kind, hilarious school assembly show is jam packed with audience participation and mind-expanding information with lots of PRE-HYSTERICAL mischief and mayhem thrown in just for fun. This eye-popping STEAM-focused show aligns with core standards in science and natural history. In addition to a thrilling assembly performance, teachers can continue the learning experience back in the classroom using the study guide and activities available www.greatshowsforkids.com With an amazing collection of ancient and life-like dinosaurs, who walk and roar, Dr. T-Rex guarantees to bring fresh excitement and student interaction to a “new level!” It is age appropriate K thru 6th grade.
The third project is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – the Musical” by the Brad Simon Organization on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 9:00 & 11:00 am in E. E. Bass Auditorium with an admission price of $5 per person. Written by Nina Meehan, Music and Lyrics by Austin Zumbro and produced by Third Wish Productions. Originally developed and produced by Seattle Children’s Theatre, based on the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault, this amazing children’s theatre production will please beyond expectations. Join us for an unforgettable adventure with “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom -the Musical,” where the beloved children’s book springs to life on the stage. This delightful production feature vibrant songs, energetic dancing, and whimsical puppets, ensuring a joyous experience for kids and adults alike. Follow the playfully adored story as the alphabet letters ambitiously climb the coconut tree, only to tumble down in a cascade of color and laughter. With plenty of audience interaction and lively performances, this show is not just entertainment – it’s a fantastic way for children to explore sound, rhythm and reading in a fun and engaging spectacle. Don’t miss the excitement and joy of “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: the Musical!” The production is K -3rd grade appropriate. Reservations and tickets may be purchased from the Greenville Arts Council at (662) 332-2246.
The fourth project will be “Winne-the=Pooh” by the Memphis based Playhouse on the Square on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm in E.E. Bass with an admission fee of $5.00 each. Everyone’s favorite yellow bear, Winne-the-Pooh, is singing his way through a new adventure! When his grouchy and skeptical friend, Rabbit, has discovered that new neighbors Kanga and her baby Roo have brought medicine, baths and soap to the forest, Rabbit explains that something must be done because this could be very troublesome. Familiar friends, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, and Owl join Pooh bear on this musical journey to carry out Rabbit’s masterful plan. What could the plan be?...Don’t sit around and “think…think…think,” join us and find out! This production is Pre-K thru 2nd grade appropriate. A Study Guide is available at https://playhouseonthesquare.org/school-matinees-more
Parents are encouraged to mention to their children’s teachers that they would like their children to attend arts educational projects by the Delta Children’s Museum. Lacey Brozovich, Ex officio, added “We encourage anyone who would like to work as a volunteer with the Museum to join us.” For additional information, please call Dr. Lee Engel at 662-378-8645.
