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Ella Jenkins Spins into Chicago Children's Museum


Starting November 22, 2025, the spinning top collection of the late Ella Jenkins went on display at Chicago Children’s Museum. The museum had a longstanding relationship with Jenkins, hosting several performances going back decades. In 1997, the Chicago Children’s Museum collaborated with her to display her spinning tops and hosted programming accompanying that exhibit. In 2024, the Museum worked with Ella Jenkins’ biographer, Gayle Wald, on behalf of Jenkins’ longtime partner, Bernadelle Richter, to become the permanent home of Jenkins’ spinning tops collection. Since November, visitors have been able to see these spinning tops on display and learn more about her life and music.

A museum display shows three glass windows containing photos of Ella Jenkins, a poncho and jewelry worn by her, some of her vinyl LP albums, and on the right, her collection of spinning tops.
Ella Jenkins spinning top collection and other personal items on display at Chicago Children's Museum.

In the display case, hundreds of spinning tops belonging to Jenkins are prominently featured. Along with the tops are personal items including her ukulele, one of her ponchos, and other musical ephemera. The case also showcases the varying ways that people experienced her music over the years, including 45s, LPs, CDs, and cassettes. Displayed outside of the case is a video showing the spinning tops in action and a flip book sharing more about Jenkins.

"We are honored to be the keepers of Ella Jenkins' spinning top collection and to be able to share them with children who come through our doors," said Chicago Children's Museum President and CEO, Jennifer Farrington. “Ella Jenkins was a legend in her industry and revolutionized children's music. Chicago Children's Museum had a long-lasting relationship with Miss Jenkins and is excited to share her life and love of music with children to help foster their own musical exploration."

Often referred to as the “First Lady of Children’s Music,” Jenkins was a musician, storyteller, early childhood educator, and more. Born in St. Louis, MO, Jenkins grew up on the South Side of Chicago and made the city her home. During her career she wrote nursery rhymes, holiday songs, bilingual songs, African American folk songs, international songs, rhythmic chants, and original songs. Her 1995 album Multicultural Children’s Songs is the most popular Smithsonian Folkways release to date. Jenkins passed away at 100 in November 2024.

The display was made possible by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.