Charles M. Schulz Museum

While Charles Schulz was engaged in the everyday-ness of creating his comic strip - others were plotting the future.

"There must be a Schulz Museum," the conspirators agreed, but how to do it when the subject himself, in his modesty, sidestepped the issue.

The "conspirators" were cartoon historian, Mark Cohen, the cartoonist's wife, Jeannie, and Sparky's longtime friend and attorney, Edwin Anderson. They were driven by the desire to show how Mr. Schulz's work inspired, healed and taught us all what it means to be part of the human family.

Mr. Schulz's enthusiasm for the museum increased in 1997 after seeing the creative and playful work being executed in Japan with his PEANUTS characters by artist and designer, Yoshiteru Otani, for Snoopytown Stores in Japan.

Sparky and Jeannie agreed that Mr. Otani could bring an element of artistic whimsy to the museum that would balance and complement the comic artwork itself.

This was all the encouragement the three needed. They moved ahead: a board was formed, a mission and vision statement approved, a location, architect and contractor chosen. At each stage Sparky oversaw and passed on the working plans.

---www.schulzmuseum.org