Logo for Power Hour Breakfast Tour at Gilbert House Children's Museum featuring a sun, homes, and children walking

Give Us an Hour, We’ll Show You the Future

Designed specifically for our busy community leaders, professionals, and change-makers, the Power Hour is a high-impact, behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the Gilbert House. This isn’t just a tour—it’s an invitation to join our mission as a sustaining donor and play a vital role in our next chapter.

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See the Transformation

If you haven’t visited recently, you haven't seen the Gilbert House of today. Following a successful fundraising campaign, we have been hard at work making significant updates and improvements across our entire campus. This morning is your chance to see the direct results of community investment:

  • The ODA Remodel: Experience our newly reconstructed outdoor play area, which reopened in 2023 after eight months of construction to replace structures dating back to 1998.

  • Accessible Play: See how we’ve prioritized accessibility with features like a wheelchair-accessible slide, sensory areas for overstimulated guests, and ball racing tubes.

  • Modernized Indoor Exhibits: Tour our latest additions, including the Gilbert Grill (added in 2024), and our brand-new Airflow Alley and Science Lab (both added in 2025).

  • Safety & Longevity: Learn how our new installations are designed to be safer, more parent-friendly, and built to last the next 30 years.

The Vision for Tomorrow

Our work is never finished. We are currently seeking the community funding, grants, and donors needed to bring our next big dreams to life:

  • The Trike Track: A brand-new outdoor feature for our active explorers.

  • Farm to Market: A complete remodel of our "Farm to Table" exhibit into a modern "Farm to Market" experience.

The Morning Itinerary

  • 8:00 AM – Fuel Up: Kickstart your morning with local coffee and pastries while networking with Salem’s top professionals.

  • 8:15 AM – Impact Tour: Join us for a fast-paced journey through our historic houses to see firsthand how we are preserving our city’s history while modernizing the play experience.

  • 8:45 AM – The Vision: Learn how becoming a Sustaining Donor ensures the museum remains a vibrant, accessible resource for every family in our community.