The State Museum of Pennsylvania Announces March 2013 Highlights

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The State Museum of Pennsylvania today announced its program schedule for March 2013:

StoryTime, A Curiosity Connection Reading Series: State Museum volunteers and staff will continue the popular children's reading program on March 1 and March 8. The readings begin at 10 a.m. followed by a related play activity.  Suggested for ages 3–5 years, but all ages can enjoy the reading.  Free with museum admission.  March 1 book: "Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me" by Eric Carle. March 8 selection:  "Tip Tip Dig Dig" by Emma Garcia.

Student Art Exhibit:  The South Central Pennsylvania Arts and Writing Awards presents "Personal Perspectives," award-winning artwork by students in grades 7–12 from Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, York, and Dauphin counties from  March 9–April 28, 2013.  The exhibit is sponsored by Commonwealth Connections Academy.

Sunday, March 10: Admission is free as the museum celebrates Pennsylvania's 332^nd birthday on "Charter Day," a commemoration the granting of the colony's charter to founder William Penn by King Charles II of England.  The annual display of the original 1681 charter is featured (March 8–17) and activities include:

Student Recognition Ceremony, 1 p.m.:  Meet the 2012 student winners of National History Day in Pennsylvania as well as students from Harrisburg's SciTech High serving as special docents at The State Museum this spring.  National History Day in Pennsylvania is a project of the Army Heritage Center Foundation, Carlisle. 

Mammal Hall and Giant Map of Pennsylvania, 1:30–4 p.m.:  Meet The State Museum's SciTech High School student docents as they interpret the museum's dynamic natural history dioramas and a new giant map of Pennsylvania on which students and visitors can traverse the state in their stocking feet. The SciTech Student Docent program is sponsored by Penn National Insurance.  The giant map of Pennsylvania was created and provided by the Pennsylvania Alliance for Geographic Education. 

DOSHI Gallery Exhibit and 3rd in the Burg:  The Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM) will open a new exhibit in its DOSHI Gallery at The State Museum entitled "Course and Discourse," pairing works by students and their professors from central Pennsylvania colleges and universities, including Franklin and Marshall College, Millersville University, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Lebanon Valley College, Messiah College, Elizabethtown College and Wilson College. The exhibit will be on display through May 6. SAM will host a free reception for the exhibit at The State Museum on Friday, March 15, 6–8 p.m.

The State Planetarium: Bigger, Brighter, Bolder! The State Museum presents its newly-upgraded Planetarium XD, featuring the latest state-of-the-art technology.  Shows offered from March 2 through May 26 include:

"Astronaut" (grade 3 and up)

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. Narrated by Ewan McGregor.  Saturdays, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m.

"BIG" (grade 6 and up)

An imaginative look at the size and scale of our universe. Explore the universe beginning with space probes reaching out to our Solar System, then telescopes collecting the light from the stars. With a lighthearted storytelling style and unique characters, "BIG" brings a really big subject down to earth. Narrated by Sir Richard Attenborough. 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.

Holiday Closure: The State Museum will be closed on Easter Sunday, March 31.

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

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