ROCKLAND, Mass. – November 19, 2024 – As part of Rockland Trust’s commitment to strengthening its communities, the Bank is proud to announce a significant donation to the highly anticipated Children’s Museum of Franklin. This partnership and contribution will fund the creation of an interactive financial literacy exhibit aimed at teaching children the fundamentals of money management in a fun, engaging, and hands-on way.
“The museum’s cofounders Erin Gallagher and Meg Hagen are passionate about creating a community that’s imaginative, safe and accessible to all,” said Laurel Katsaros, Rockland Trust’s Franklin Main Street Branch Manager. “We’re excited to see how this museum and the exhibits inside make a difference for the community we’re proud to live in and serve.”
The exhibit, called “Ms. Money’s Playroom,” is inspired by Ms. Money’s Classroom, the Bank’s free online financial literacy resource. In the online version of the program, elementary school-aged teachers, students, and families can download lesson plans, listen to songs about money, and engage in fun activities. Similarly, the museum exhibit will guide young visitors through essential money concepts: making, saving, sharing, and spending. The space will be home to several play stations, including a lemonade stand, a pretend bank, and a donation center.
When Julie Beckham, the creator behind Ms. Money’s Classroom and AVP of Financial Education Development and Strategy at Rockland Trust, was introduced to the opportunity, she saw an immediate connection between the museum’s mission and her purpose at the Bank.
“Erin and Meg are thoughtfully building an experience that will reach outside the walls of the museum and encourage children to continue exploring, learning, and growing together. That is the ultimate goal of our financial education strategy,” said Beckham. “At Rockland Trust, we’re dedicated to helping individuals and families develop a healthy relationship with money at every age. We believe Ms. Money’s Playroom will introduce kids to money in a fun and engaging way that sticks with them for many years to come.”
Ms. Money’s Playroom is among 14 other exhibits designed for children up to ten years old that will be featured in the museum when it opens at 157 Cottage Street in Franklin in early 2025. Additionally, Gallagher and Hagen plan to provide programming for elementary and middle school aged children as well as leadership and internship opportunities for high school and college students.
"Children's Museum of Franklin is so thankful for the incredibly generous support of Rockland Trust" says Hagen. "Collaborating with Rockland Trust to bring Ms. Money's Playroom to life provides such a fun and engaging way for children and families to learn the skills of financial literacy. This exhibit aligns perfectly with our goal of bringing STEM-focus education through play to our community."
Children who visit Ms. Money’s Playroom at the Children’s Museum of Franklin will be greeted by imagery of the online program’s favorite characters, including Ms. Money, Penny, and Nick. Those familiar with the program will also be introduced to a new character, JD. JD is inspired by Hagen’s son, the museum’s first donor. JD presented Hagen and Gallagher with the first two dollars of funding after the museum earned its 501(c)3 status in September of 2023. JD’s investment in his mom’s dream will inspire many other children in the exhibit to give back and celebrate those around them who help build community.
