News for Immediate Release
Oct. 30, 2013
November Highlights at The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg – The State Museum of Pennsylvania today announced its program schedule for November 2013:
Special Exhibit: The State Museum of Pennsylvania will open a temporary exhibition entitled “Chairs from the Collection of The State Museum” on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013. The exhibition features a variety of styles from the museum’s collection and represents the diversity of Pennsylvania, its artisans and cultures during the past 300 years.
The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation, the non-profit partner of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), will host a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on the exhibition’s opening day. A special tour of the exhibit will be given by State Museum Director David W. Dunn and there will be crafts demonstrations by artisans. The exhibit will continue through Sunday, April 27, 2014.
“Hidden Treasures” Event: In conjunction with Harrisburg’s 3rd in the Burg, the Friends of the State Museum will host its second annual “Hidden Treasures Scavenger Hunt” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.
This modern-day treasure hunt is for adults only and features some of the museum’s rarely seen collections. The event includes a reception with beer, wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres and music by Back Alley Blues. Cost is $30 per ticket or $55 per couple. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.shoppaheritage.com.
Archaeology Workshops: The State Museum, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council, will present its annual workshops in archaeology. “Archaeology of a Troubled Nation, 1775-1865” will be held at the museum from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16.
The pre-registration fee is $20 per person (required by Nov. 8); $15 for students; $15 for Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation (including State Museum Affiliate Members) members, Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and Pennsylvania Archaeological Council members. Registration at the door is $25. For more information and an Archaeology Workshops brochure, call 717-783-9926 or visit www.statemuseumpa.org.
Holiday Marketplace: The State Museum Store will participate in the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation’s eighth annual Holiday Marketplace on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 21-22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Commonwealth Keystone Building (Forster Street and Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg). Museum stores from the Pennsylvania Trails of History® and other participants, such as Tony's Cafe at Keystone, Capitol Preservation Committee, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Department Community and Economic Development's Artisan Trails, will offer unusual and unique items for holiday shopping. The marketplace is free and open to the public. Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation and State Museum Affiliate Members receive 10 percent off their purchases.
The State Planetarium: Bigger, Brighter, Bolder! The State Museum presents its newly-upgraded Planetarium XD, featuring the latest in projection technology. Shows offered through Dec. 1 include:
“Losing the Dark” (grade 2 and up)
This live presentation looks at the current constellations, planets, and the moon phase to demonstrate how to look at the night sky. It also reveals how light pollution is destroying our night sky view. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m.; Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sundays at 1 p.m.
“We Are Aliens” (grade 4 and up)
Narrated by actor Rupert Grint, well-known for his role as Ron Weasley in the “Harry Potter” movies, “We Are Aliens” explores the extreme environments that support life on Earth and probes the age-old question, “Are we alone in the universe?” Show times are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at noon; Saturdays at noon and 2 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Planetarium shows are $2 per person, in addition to general admission; free to State Museum Affiliate Members.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS: The State Museum’s administrative offices and galleries will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans’ Day, and on Thursday, Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day. The museum will reopen on Friday, Nov. 29 with regular hours.
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 Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children and senior citizens.
For more information about the museum, visit www.statemuseumpa.org.
Media contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639
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