Teddy Bear Museum of Naples facts for kids
| Established | December 1990 |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | May 31, 2005 |
| Location |
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| Type | Teddy bear |
| Collection size | 5,500 teddy bears |
| Owner | Frances Hayes |
The Teddy Bear Museum of Naples was a special place in Naples, Florida, where you could see thousands of teddy bears! It opened in December 1990 and welcomed visitors until May 2005. The museum was a non-profit organization, meaning it used money from donations, ticket sales, and its gift shop to keep running. They even had a Hug Club for fans!
Contents
The Story of the Teddy Bear Museum
How the Museum Started
The idea for the museum began with Frances Pew Hayes. She received a small M&M's teddy bear from her grandchild. This gift sparked a passion, and she started collecting teddy bears. Six years later, in 1990, her amazing collection became a museum for everyone to enjoy.
Growing the Collection
Over time, the museum's collection grew to about 5,500 different teddy bears! Many of these bears were given by other collectors who loved teddy bears too. In the late 1990s, the museum was sold to North Collier Hospital. The hospital hoped to move the museum to a new spot as part of a children's hospital. However, this plan did not work out.
Why the Museum Closed
In 2005, Frances Hayes passed away. Her son, George Black, who was the museum director, announced that the museum would close. The reasons included rising costs to keep the museum open and fewer volunteers to help. All the teddy bear exhibits were then sold. In 2007, the Greater Naples YMCA bought the museum building. They planned to use it as a center for young children.
Exploring the Teddy Bear Museum
The main museum building had a cool circular shape with an open space in the middle. There was also another building that held a small gift shop. Inside the museum, you could find many fun exhibits. Imagine a Teddy Bears' Picnic, a teddy bear parade, and even a teddy bear wedding ceremony! There was also a "beard of directors" and collections of bears from all over the world.
The Annual Teddy Bear Fair
One of the most exciting events at the museum was the annual Teddy Bear Fair. It usually happened in October and was full of fun activities. Kids could play games, listen to bands, and even visit petting zoos. The fair first took place at Cambier Park in Naples. Later, when the hospital owned the museum, the fair moved to the hospital grounds.
