Communication Thrills

Anaheim Museum will offer children an experience they can relate to: a hands-on gallery to explore the world of communication.

Over the years, the museum has introduced children to a variety of exhibits. But these exhibits were not interactive, museum Executive Director Joyce Franklin said.

“So we decided to devote a gallery to them and make it more of learning and hands-on experience,” Franklin said.

A public dedication ceremony of the new Children’s Gallery will be held today from 4 to 7 p.m.

The gallery will be named in honor of William Spehn, a longtime Anaheim resident and past museum board president. Franklin said that Spehn, 85, has been a faithful supporter of the museum and was instrumental in getting the Children’s Gallery open.

The gallery’s opening exhibit, “The World of Communication,” focuses on hieroglyphics to today’s state-of-the-art fiber optics. There is just about every form of communication in between, from black and white television, vinyl records, typewriters and Braille to computers.

“It gives children a feel of how communications began and where it’s going and developing to,” Franklin said.

For the last five years, students from Anaheim schools have taken a field trip to the museum to learn about the history of the city and California. Franklin hopes that creating a gallery just for children will spur their interest in the museum.

“It gives them a reason to stop by,” she said.

The museum is at 241 S. Anaheim Blvd. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission charge. Information: (714) 778-3301.