Children’s Museum Houston is deeply heartbroken to learn of the passing of the honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. A visionary leader and cherished founding board member, Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s unwavering dedication to children’s education and health resources transformed countless lives, championing equity for all families. Her enduring support for the Museum’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations and her pivotal role in our 2009 expansion, including the development and funding of our garage, stand as enduring monuments to her remarkable legacy.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee radiated the values of diversity and kindness, inspiring the creation of our upcoming “Faithful Friends” exhibit. This beautiful exhibit will teach children the virtues of kindness and understanding by exploring the myriad of religions practiced around the world and in Houston.

Her recent nomination of the Museum for the prestigious Institute of Museum and Library Services 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service brought us immense pride, as we won this esteemed accolade and brought it back to Houston after 27 years. Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s profound belief in putting families first saw her leveraging the Museum’s recognition to highlight federal health grants in Harris County and encourage civic participation during election years. Her legacy will resonate through our halls and hearts, inspiring us for generations to come.

“Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was a beacon of hope and compassion. I’ve listened to her speak to children, and her message was always clear: we must love one another, speak up, and be kind. She was the driving force behind our principles of diversity, equity and inclusion at Children’s Museum Houston. Because of her inspiration, we eagerly anticipate opening the ‘Faithful Friends’ exhibit, a testament to her vision that will teach children and families to cherish each other and our differences. We thank you, Sheila Jackson Lee, and our children thank you,” said Children’s Museum Houston CEO Rayanne Darensbourg.

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