Recognizing the Grand Opening of the Rabbit Hole

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with immense pride to recognize and celebrate the grand opening of the newest addition to Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, the Rabbit hOle. Garnering attention on the local and national level, the Rabbit hOle will undoubtfully provide new experiences for children and adults alike as they take on a one-of-a-kind approach to a children's literature museum that has not been pursued before. Through its focus on literature, arts, education, and inclusivity to visitors of all ages, the museum will show its dedication to our community as well as enable others to see the array of activities that Kansas City has to offer. I am truly honored to represent an organization who has worked tirelessly to bring innovation and new opportunities to our community.

The Rabbit hOle's creation can be traced back to married couple Pete Cowdin and Debbie Pettid, who co-founded the museum in 2015. As a result of nearly 30 years in business as booksellers and owners of a local children's bookstore, the Reading Reptile, located in Kansas City, Missouri, the owners decided to venture into a new adventure. It was during their time in this capacity that Cowdin and Pettid began thinking about the possibilities of bringing a book to life by creating an immersive experience for children's literature. After having this idea for nearly two decades, Cowdin and Pettid took a leap of faith and began working to bring their vision into fruition.

As they began working towards the development of this project, their core values focused on creating a culture that centered around the love of children's literature that could remain accessible to all visitors of all ages, builds on the enjoyment of literacy while providing a hands-on experience. Moreover, with a special commitment and diligence to the children who would one day visit the museum, Cowdin and Pettid focused on envisioning a place that would not only be a colorful place for children but one that could further their curiosity and involvement with literature.

In testament to that mission, the Rabbit hOle has secured the rights to over 70 works from the last century of children's literature with the idea to provide permanent exhibits of classic works as well as rotating installations. Through their desire to remain inclusive and accessible, the Rabbit hOle has pursued works from diverse backgrounds to ensure that visitors from all backgrounds can have access to exhibits that may reflect their own lives and experiences. Beyond their work in diversity, this organization remains invested in the improvement of our community through enhanced programs and experiences they plan to provide to Kansas Citians, visitors, and educators.

This organization will bring an out-of-the-ordinary experience to educators and students as they visit the museum where they will have the ability to have access to a print shop, story lab, resource library, among other new novelties that will enrich the diversity of activities available to schools. Through these activities and possibilities, visitors, especially children, will feel empowered to explore and create their own stories along the way. There lies no doubt that our youth will feel inspired to engage in new ideas and perspectives that will lead to an overall better understanding of the world around them as they continue to grow, Our community is proud to have an organization that supports and stands for these values in our own backyard.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the grand opening of the Rabbit hOle and their tremendous accomplishment and service to the Greater Kansas City area. Their enthusiasm for literature, accessibility, and empowerment in the lives of children and adults alike to enhance the quality of life and opportunities to our communities is an example for all to follow. I speak with the voice of Missouri's entire Fifth Congressional District as we say a heartfelt ``Welcome'' to the Rabbit hOle as we celebrate and congratulate them on their opening and the many achievements to come.

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