June 1 2021
Happy 75th anniversary to Highlights for Children: If you read this magazine as a kid, check out the publication today!
A Note from Hope Katz Gibbs, creator, Inkandescent Radio —Happy 75th anniversary to Highlights for Children, the wonderfully engaging magazine that you likely read as a kid and probably have shared with your own children and grandchildren!
This month, we had the privilege of interviewing Christine Cully, Editor-in-Chief and Chief Purpose Officer of Highlights, who talked with us about the history of this fantastic publication that has touched millions of children. Please scroll down to read our Q&A, and be sure to watch our interview on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv.
Inkandescent: Chris, start by telling us about the history of Highlights for Children.
Christine Cully: Highlights magazine was founded in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, by two lifelong educators who had great respect for children — Garry Cleveland Myers and his wife, Caroline Clark Myers. The husband-wife team had great respect for children and knew from decades of experience as teachers that kids learn best when engaged and having fun. With that foundation in place, the Meyers knew those children would be more likely to grow up to be thoughtful, literate citizens who are sensitive to the needs and ideas of others.
They also knew that loving, positive human relationships are the most potent motivator through positive suggestions and positive role models.
That belief grew from Garry’s experience as a psychologist. He earned a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University before World War I, then he and Caroline taught illiterate soldiers for the US Army. In fact, she was the first female teacher employed by the Army. This experience led to their becoming pioneers in elementary education, teaching educators and parents at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Garry then began writing a nationally syndicated column entitled Parent Problems, and the couple co-authored several books.
They had become nationally known in education circles and wanted to share their knowledge, so they began to work for Children’s Activities. Lecturing across the nation, they informed, discovered, and refined what they knew. Their travels also led to discussions on what would be appropriate for children, and after retiring, and in 1946 they decided to launch Highlights.
Click here to read our entire Q&A on Inkandescent Women magazine!
