Wonder Works hires new director

Wonder Works Children’s Museum has named Ellen Farrar as its new executive director, succeeding Rachel Rettberg, who left the position earlier this year to become executive director of the Chicago-based nonprofit A House in Austin.

Farrar formerly worked at the Chicago marketing and communications company Time Zone One, which focuses on tourism promotion and destination marketing. Prior to that, she worked in marketing for the Magnificent Mile Association.

She holds a master’s degree in arts administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College. 

The change in leadership at Wonder Works comes at a time when the children’s museum is experiencing record-high attendance.

The museum, located at 6445 W. North Ave., had 80,000 visitors in 2018 — that’s up from about 74,000 the year prior. Wonder Works also claims more than 1,000 members and hosted about 200 field trips and 300 private parties last year.

“I hope to continue this great momentum,” Farrar said in a telephone interview. 

Julianne Nery, Wonder Works’ board president, said in a press release that the museum, which caters to toddlers and children up to 8 years old, is “committed to providing an environment where early learning flourishes.”

“We see an opportunity to continue to significantly enhance our museum offerings and service and are thrilled to have Ellen lead us in this exciting stage of growth,” Nery said. 

Farrar, an Oak Park resident, said in an email that the museum provides an important place for children, which is focused on their needs.

The museum offers six interactive permanent exhibits for children to explore as well as educational programming and events for families. 

“And while they play in our museum environment and take part in our programming, we know they are developing their curiosity and creativity without limits or parameters,” she said. 

The children’s play allows them to develop important life skills that increase confidence, happiness and lay the groundwork for educational success, she said. “Access to the types of quality, play-based early childhood learning experiences we provide is essential for a child’s healthy brain development,” said Farrar, adding that she is passionate about children’s museums because, “We need to remember that kids need to explore without too many boundaries.”

Her goals are to continue the growth of the program and establish more strategic partnerships to enrich the museum experience and provide new revenue sources for the operation.

Farrar said the museum’s recent Friday night pajama pizza party was a big success, and the museum plans to hold more in the future. 

“We’re going to start doing that monthly,” she said. The next event will be held sometime in June.

tim@oakpark.com