It's a joy and a privilege to be here with all of you as we mark such an important day in the life of our community.

And for Susan and me:  this is personal! 

We have twin grandbabies now who are into everything and we cannot wait to take them here where they can touch and explore to their hearts' content and we not only get to say, "Sure!  You can play with that!" - We don't have to worry about anything breaking!

And now that Susan and I are back in the toy-buying business, I agree with the old adage: "The most dreaded words in the English language are 'some assembly required!'"  

But there's "no assembly required" when you come here! 

All you need is ready hands and willing hearts ready to explore. 

Susan and I are so looking forward to sharing this wonderful museum with Whit and Clary - and grateful that they'll be two of the countless children who will be blessed by this place.

And indeed it was the vision and hard work of so many - private citizens and donors, state, county and city officials and taxpayers - a community really pulling together - that made this happen. 

But children won't magically appear with the opening of these doors.    It will take the grown-ups in their lives to get them - and guide them - through here.  

And that I think is where the real magic begins - when folks like all of us - parents and grandparents and caring friends - so often harried by life's busyness take a few moments to see our beautiful, wondrous world anew through the eyes of a child. 

It's been said, "While we try to teach our children all about life...our children teach us what life is all about."

So whether we're 6 or 66, inspiration and education can be found here. 

And the young hands that will explore and enjoy all these exhibits are the same hands that right now hold the next big medical breakthrough, diplomatic answer, the discoveries awaiting us in the skies and below the seas - the new technologies and better tomorrows. 

It's all up to them now - just as it was once all up to us.  

And for that reason, this Museum represents a jumping-off point for reaching all our best hopes and dreams - launching us into the future on the wings of understanding and appreciation of the past. 

May all the small hands that touch this house of learning be impacted in a big way.  And may they use the gifts their given to light our world. 

Thank you for allowing me to share this time with you.

God bless you and God bless South Carolina.

 

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