Above & Beyond Children’s Museum (ABCM) is a non-profit organization servicing children and families of Sheboygan County and its visitors. Located in downtown Sheboygan, it has enjoyed 16 years of community service enhancing the lives and experiences of children. From its humble beginning as a traveling road show featuring interactive children’s exhibits, it quickly outgrew its first location open only one day a month, to become an establish community treasure offering service six days a week. It has been operating from its three-story historic location on 8th Street for the past ten years enriching thousands of children’s lives.

History of Above & Beyond Children's Museum

Our Development in the Community

1992 - Board of Directors formed; Kubala Washatko and Jacobson Rost donated services to develop building and logo, respectively.

1993 - Incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) corporation. Assoc. of Youth Museums membership approved.  First five hands-on exhibits constructed and displayed at various fairs in Sheboygan County.

1994 - Business Plan professionally prepared. M & I Bank donated storefront for exhibit demonstration site. School groups and birthday parties accommodated by appointment.

1995 - Additional exhibits constructed and displayed.  Road America contracted with Above & Beyond volunteers to sell programs as a fund raiser.

1996 - Readiness study completed; Board approved location of downtown Sheboygan, and former People's building purchased.  Founder's Circle established with contributors of $1000.00 or more.

1997 - Renovations began at 902 N. 8^th Street, the museum's permanent home. Developed long-range plan, kicked off Building Campaign.

1998 - Above & Beyond recognized in USA Today for "Make a Difference Day."  Museum expands hours and offers more time slots for group tours and birthday parties. -Renovation near completion at 902 N. 8^th Street.

1999 - Above & Beyond opens its doors as a full-time operation and offers major  exhibits such as the Siegl Circus, Giant Pin Screen, Sky Crawl, Totally Toddlers and Tree House Adventures.

2000 - Above & Beyond continues to offer hands-on learning fun to families, school groups, day cares, scouting groups, and special-needs groups.

2005 - Offered Science Day Camps (Bi-weekly).

-Membership reached 100.

-Art Calendar started ($1,000 per month sponsorship).

2006 - Contracted staff exhibits for hire (Resulted with Camp Jeep at Road America).

- Collaborated with Manitou Girl Scout Council with expansion to include Boy Scouts.

- Initiated contact with Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Acorn Foundation.

- Membership increase to just over 400.

- Trustees charged with soliciting 5 yr. pledges from businesses.

- 1^st $1,000 sponsorship for Railroad Exhibit

2007 - General Admission increased to $5.00.

- Began working with Curative Senior Services to fill employment positions.

2008 - Hired new Executive Director .

- Closed ABCM for 30 days to implement business plan and rebuild community relationships

- October 1, Grand Re-Opening

- Obtained $50,000 to become current on past debt

- Re-evaluated ABCM's Strategic Plan

- Temporary outsourcing of fundraising activities

- Started partnership with Lakeland College and began development of internship program