If you were out shopping in Medford with your children, chances are you might have received a surprise visit from our very own Fairy Godmother, Lyn Hennion. Lyn had the sweetest habit of handing out her cards—complete with a complimentary visit to the museum.

Helping all children have positive experiences in their early years was a lifelong passion of Lyn’s. When we first opened our doors in 2005, she was one of the first to champion the importance of early childhood education and the critical brain development that happens in the first six years. In those early days, she even collected recycled materials herself to help fuel creative, imagination-boosting projects for our guests.

As a Board Member of the Oregon Community Foundation and through her involvement with the Reed & Carolee Walker Foundation, Lyn dedicated her life to expanding our reach:

• The First Scholarship Fund: Lyn helped establish the museum's very first scholarship fund, ensuring every family had access to play-based learning regardless of financial barriers.

• A Transforming Move (2010): She personally delivered a historic $250,000 grant check, facilitating our critical move to downtown Medford.

• Fueling Our Growth (2019–2025): Lyn spearheaded two incredibly successful capital campaigns, securing the move to the Historic Carnegie Library and driving our major building expansions.

Throughout the years, Lyn was our constant cheerleader. Because of her generosity, time, and resources, thousands of children continue to have engaging, play-based experiences that build a strong foundation for life-long learning. Her ever-present, effervescent enthusiasm remains the driving inspiration behind everything we do.