16th Annual Charter Day Celebration:
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s (PHMC) 16th Annual Charter Day will be held Sunday, March 8, from noon to 4:00 P.M. at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Archives will display the original 1681 Charter, the document that granted the land of Pennsylvania to William Penn, and related materials from March 6 - 16 at the museum. Admission is free on Charter Day and includes presentations by reenactors, a Civil War dance ensemble, discussions on architecture, National History Day, the opening of Nature Lab, free admission to Curiosity Connection and the Planetarium, plus discounts at the museum store.
South Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Arts Exhibit:
Winners of the 2015 South Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art Awards, sponsored by Commonwealth Connections Academy, will have their works displayed February 27 through April 26 at The State Museum. The Regional South Central Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognizes students for their creative excellence in 28 different types of media. Students from schools in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lebanon, Perry and York counties were eligible to showcase their talents and have their entries judged by area artistic and literary professionals.
Learn@Lunchtime & 3rd in the Burg:
The State Museum will feature the “South Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Arts” for its Learn@Lunchtime & 3rd in the Burg Series from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Friday, March 20. Brock Shelley of Commonwealth Connections will discuss this year’s exhibit. Admission to the museum is free during the hours of the event.
Exhibit Extended: A Fondness for Birds: Pennsylvania’s Alexander Wilson:
This exhibit, which features bird prints and first-edition volumes of the 200 year-old “American Ornithology” series by Alexander Wilson, has been extended through Sunday, January 3, 2016. Also featured are bird specimens from the museum’s Botany and Zoology collections. The specimens underscore the museum’s historic and continuing role in the study of Pennsylvania’s flora and fauna.
National History Day in Pennsylvania 2014 Winners Exhibition:
The State Museum will display winning student entries from the 2014 National History Day in Pennsylvania competition from February 27 through April 26. This national educational program engages students in grades 6–12 in the discovery and interpretation of historical topics. Students produce imaginative exhibits, multimedia documentaries, websites and research papers based on an annual theme. These projects are then evaluated at local, state and national competitions. National History Day is presented in cooperation with the U.S. Army Heritage Center Foundation.
UnCommon Modern: A Pennsylvania Glossary of Midcentury Architecture:
The State Museum of Pennsylvania opens a new photography exhibit, “UnCommon Modern: A Pennsylvania Glossary of Midcentury Architecture.” This unique exhibit features color documentary photographs taken by Betsy Manning, a Philadelphia-area photojournalist. Each photograph depicts buildings and designs from across the commonwealth that reflect Midcentury Modern influences. The exhibit runs through April 26, 2015.
Storytime in Curiosity Connection Winter Reading Series:
Keep warm with good friends, good books, and great play! Our visitors ages 3 to 5 will meet to enjoy a series of fun and playful books the winter season. The reading starts at 10:00 A.M. The event is included with general admission to the museum.
• February 27 - In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? Written by Lindsay Barrett George
• March 6 – Demolition Written by Sally Sutton
• March 13 – Move! Written by Steve Jenkins
• March 20 – Number One Sam Written by Greg Pizzoli
The Planetarium at The State Museum of Pennsylvania:
The Planetarium is offering two shows through May 31, 2015:
“Astronaut” (grade 3 and up):
The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Discover the perils that lurk in space with our test subject Chad.
Narrated by Ewan McGregor
11:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. Saturday; 1:00 P.M. Sunday*
“Two Small Pieces of Glass” (grade 4 and up):
While attending a local star party, learn how the telescope has helped us understand our place in space and how telescopes continue to expand our understanding of the Universe. Learn about the history of the telescope. See how telescopes work and how the largest observatories in the world use these instruments to explore the mysteries of the universe.
Noon and 2:00 P.M. Saturday; 2:00 p.m. Sunday*
* Due to special events on Charter Day, Sunday, March 8, “Astronaut” will run every half hour from noon to 4:00 P.M. “Two Small Pieces of Glass” will not by shown that day.
Planetarium shows are $3 per person in addition to general admission; free to State Museum Affiliate Members and Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation Members.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, is one of 25 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. The State Museum offers expansive collections interpreting Pennsylvania’s fascinating heritage. With exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the Native American experience, the colonial and revolutionary era, a pivotal Civil War battleground, and the Commonwealth's vast industrial age, The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania's story is America’s story.
Museum hours are Wed. through Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults (ages 12-64), $6 for senior citizens (ages 65 and up), and $5 for children (ages 1-11).
For more information about the museum, visit
www.statemuseumpa.org.
Media contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639
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