May 28, 2010
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History will present its “Museum Monday” and “Second Saturday” programs of museum activities on June 7, (Museum Monday) and June 12, (Second Saturday) from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex, in Charleston. The free programs are geared for children of all ages. It is recommended that children under the age of 13 be accompanied by an adult.
On Monday, June 7, and Saturday, June 12, kids can enjoy participating in a scavenger hunt while using the Museum Bingo Sheet all day long. They also can visit the “hands-on-history cart” in the museum galleries throughout the day. The cart will hold samples rocks and minerals from across the state, helping kids learn about West Virginia geology.
Kids also can take part in the “make ‘n take” craft activities in the North Connection Room of the museum from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. They can make a paper mosaic in the shape of West Virginia. They also can color pages with images of the state seal, animal, bird and fish.
At 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon, participants can gather in the North Connection Room to hear the book, West Virginia Facts and Symbols, which was written by Kathy Feeney, a published author of children’s books, in the North Connection Room. The book is a concise and informative reference work. Its 24 pages contain many excellent full-color photographs and illustrations, including a map of the state, representations of the state seal and flag, a list of places worth visiting (such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park), a list of vocabulary words, a short bibliography for further reading, and an index. Subjects addressed include population, natural resources, the state motto, the capitol building, the state bird, and more. Kids can then make bookmarks.
Museum staff will take kids on a mini tour beginning with Section “I” of the museum’s show path during the “museum walk ‘n talk” sessions at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. They can see artifacts and hear the story of West Virginia and its path to statehood.
In addition, on Saturday, June 12 only, at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., the Museum Media Center will present Cinda Francis from the West Virginia Forestry Association. She will cover basic information about the forests in West Virginia, what made them what they are, what trees are most common and the many benefits provided by our forests and trees. The West Virginia Forestry Association is a non-profit organization funded by its membership. Members include individuals and businesses involved in forest management, timber production and wood product manufacturing. The organizations members are concerned with protecting the environment, as well as enhancing the future of West Virginia’s forests through multiple-use management.
For more information about “Museum Mondays” and “Second Saturdays,” contact museum guest services at (304) 558-0220, ext. 111.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. Its administrative offices are located at the Culture Center in the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, which also houses the state archives and state museum. The Culture Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. The agency also operates a network of museums and historic sites across the state. For more information about the Division’s programs, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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