The State Museum of Pennsylvania Announces October Programming

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The State Museum of Pennsylvania today announced its program schedule for October 2012:

The State Planetarium: Bigger, Brighter, Bolder! The State Museum premieres its exciting and newly-renovated "Planetarium XD," featuring the latest state-of-the-art Spitz SciDome projection technology. There are two brand new shows through December 30:

"Legends of the Night Sky:  Perseus & Andromeda" (pre-K to grade 2)

A fun-filled retelling of the age-old myth of the Princess Andromeda and the Greek hero Perseus.  Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m.

"We are Astronomers" (grade 4 and up) This program provides an amazing look at the global collaboration, technology, and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the universe. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, noon; Saturdays, noon and 2 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.

Planetarium shows are $2 per person, in addition to general admission; free to State Museum Affiliate Members.

Archaeology Month:  As part of a national observance, the achievements of exploring the past through archaeology are commemorated by The State Museum every October. This year the museum continues its annual public dig to uncover the 18^th century remains of Fort Hunter in Dauphin County through Friday, Oct. 12.  State Museum archaeologists will also participate in Archaeology Day at the State Capitol with the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

National Fossil Day™:  The State Museum will mark National Fossil Day with public tours featuring a newly acquired mammoth from Erie County. The celebration is part of an annual event organized by the National Park Service to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, as well as to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational values. Wednesday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. 

State Museum 3^rd in the Burg Event: Experience The State Museum's new "Planetarium XD" featuring the new show "We Are Astronomers" on Friday, Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. Free Planetarium admission and free museum admission for those times; first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited.

Great Pumpkin Day: The State Museum offers its annual fun family event for the harvest season on Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don a nifty moustache disguise and join a "Trick or Treat" challenge exploring the museum. This State Museum favorite features games, crafts, snacks, and more. Free with museum admission.

Holiday Closure:  The State Museum's administrative offices and galleries will be closed on Monday, Oct. 8, in observance of Columbus Day.

The State Museum Store: The State Museum Store is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Purchases support the ongoing educational mission of The State Museum of Pennsylvania. 

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

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission