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 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 arts and literary professionals.
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 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 hosts the 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. This exhibit is presented as part of the State Museum and Archives Complex 50th Anniversary Celebration.
50th Anniversary Celebration Juried Photo Exhibition/Call for Entries
As part of The State Museum and Archives Complex 50th Celebration, The State Museum and its parent organization the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is highlighting the many buildings, furnishings and designs typical of the Midcentury Modernist style featured across Pennsylvania during the mid-20th century. Through midnight June 30, PHMC is seeking submissions of photographs that display examples of mid-20th century architecture constructed in Pennsylvania between 1930 and 1980. Entries may depict exteriors, interiors, and/or details of roadside architecture, schools, religious buildings, homes, commercial and recreational structures and other modern elements. Photos may have been taken anywhere in Pennsylvania since January 1, 2012. The exhibition is open to Pennsylvania residents 18 years of age or older, and all skill levels are welcome, from photo enthusiast to professional. Submissions will be accepted digitally. A link to entry information including rules, fees, deadlines and instructions can be found at statemuseumpa.org/photo-exhibit. Submissions chosen for exhibition will be featured in the “Pennsylvania Modern Architecture Juried Photo Exhibit” which will run from October 25, 2015 through February 28, 2016 at The State Museum.
Photo Walk at The State Museum and Archives Complex:
Beth Hager, PHMC Director of Strategic Initiatives and co-organizer of the “Pennsylvania Modern Architecture Juried Photo Exhibit” will offer a guided tour of select areas of The State Museum and Archives Complex. Admission to the tour is free with museum admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Slots are limited. Register for the tour via email at bhager@pa.gov.
Storytime in Curiosity Connection:
Join author Lindsay Barrett George on Thursday, April 9 for the reading of her book “Maggie’s Ball.” Our visitors ages 3 to 5 will meet to enjoy fun and play. The reading starts at 10:00 A.M. The event is included with general admission to the museum.
3rd in the Burg:
Celebrate an early Earth Day 2015 at The State Museum on Friday, April 17. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection educators Ann Devine and Jack Farster will present “Clean Watersheds, Clean Water” in our new Nature Lab, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Program is free with general admission to the Museum.
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.
12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday; 2:00 P.M. Sunday
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.
The Museum will be closed Sunday, April 5 for Easter. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 5 P.M., and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults (ages 12-64), $6 for senior citizens (ages 65 and up), and $5 for children (ages 1-11).
Media contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639