Harrisburg, PA – The State Museum of Pennsylvania today announced its program schedule for December 2016:
Nature Lab Programs
Hands-on experiments focusing on science topics are held bi-weekly. All programs are included with general admission to the Museum.
Color and Light, Friday, December 2 at 11:30 PM
Learn about light, energy and heat and how they play a part in the color we see. Experiment with light and color using kaleidoscopes, prisms, fluorescing rocks and watercolors.
Snow!, Friday, December 16 at 11:30 PM
Explore this icy and mysterious, but much loved, winter staple. Examine the uniqueness of its crystalline structure and the beauty of the many formations that can be found in nature.
Learn at Lunchtime: Join artists from the Central Pennsylvania’s “en plein air” painting group The Seven Lively Artists on Friday, December 2 from 12:15 to 1:15 PM to tour Sixty Years with the Seven Lively Artists: 1956-2016. The exhibit features work by the group’s original and current active members.
Display Opening: In recognition of the U.S. involvement in World War I and of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, The State Museum presents Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania. Visitors will view a model of the USS Pennsylvania, followed by the centerpiece from the ship’s official silver service, uniforms and personal effects of crew members. Scott LaMar of WITF Smart Talk will serve as guest speaker for the opening of the display on Sunday, December 4 at 2:00 PM at the Museum. This event is included with admission to the Museum.
Exhibit Closing: The State Museum will close its Working together for Wildlife: Three Decades of Pennsylvania’s Nature in Art exhibit on Saturday, December 31. This exhibit features 34 original paintings by 19 different Pennsylvania artists. The works highlight animals such as the black bear, the bobcat, the gray squirrel, the great blue heron, the cardinal and the ruffed grouse – Pennsylvania’s State Bird. This exhibit is presented by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Noon Year’s Eve: Bring the children and join the museum staff in ringing in the New Year from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday, December 30. Make a craft, snack, dance and learn about music in nature. Award winner Steven Courtney, honored for his work with children and in music, will host two special music performances. This family-friendly event, which culminates with the museum’s famous firefly and balloon drop at 12:00 PM noon in Memorial Hall, is included with general admission to the museum. Also offered during this event will be a Planetarium show ($3 per person in addition to general admission). Call (717) 772-6997 between December 5 and December 23 to pre-purchase admission/planetarium tickets and to reserve Curiosity Connection Play Time. No reservation is required, but space is limited.
The Planetarium at The State Museum of Pennsylvania: The planetarium is offering a special show from December 14 through December 31:
Season of Light (All Ages)
This traditionally styled holiday show looks at astronomy and holiday traditions. Explore the reason humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the holiday season. Although it is the coldest and darkest of seasons, this time of year holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year. Trace the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season, from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights, candles in windows, lighting luminarias, to the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah and the Star of Bethlehem.
Wednesdays, December 14 & 28 - 12:00 Noon
Thursdays, December 15, 22, & 29 - 12:00 Noon
Fridays, December 16 & 23 - 12:00 Noon
Saturday, December 17 - 11:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 1:00 PM, & 2:00 PM
Sunday, December 18 - 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM
Saturdays, December 24, & 31 - 11:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, & 1:00 PM
Special Showtimes for Friday, December 30 - 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, & 2:15 PM
Planetarium shows are $3 per person in addition to general admission. Planetarium admission is free to members of the State Museum Affiliate and the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation.
Holiday closures: The State Museum will be closing at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 24 and Saturday, December 31. The State Museum will be closed Sunday, December 25 and Sunday, January 1.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, is one of 24 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 eras, 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 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 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