The State Museum of Pennsylvania

Various Programs

Visit the Event Page of The State Museum for a full listing of programs.

For Planetarium Shows at The State Museum, click here.

Unless otherwise noted, programs are included with general admission.
Planetarium shows are an additional cost if not a member of the State Museum of PA.
 

Friday, November 22
11:30am

Wild Turkeys of PA

Join us in Nature Lab to explore the Wild Turkey. Learn about this unique bird and its lifestyle here in Pennsylvania. Participants will have a chance to get hands-on with a turkey tail, wing, and skull. Create your own wild turkey to take home for Thanksgiving.

Saturday, November 23
10am & 1pm

The Eastern Wild Turkey

When you hear that distinctive gobble, gobble sound, you know that a turkey is nearby. Turkeys are found throughout Pennsylvania’s forests, and sometimes we even see them in our backyards. Learn more about the eastern wild turkey in Pennsylvania and make a turkey to take home!

Wednesday, November 27
11:30am

PA Thanksgiving Traditions

Discover the Pennsylvania traditions that have helped celebrate Thanksgiving. Learn about our role in food, parades, football and shopping.

Friday, November 29
1:30pm

The Animals of Mammal Hall

Black bear, beavers and deer…oh my! Touch furs, hold antlers, view skulls and ask questions during a tour of Mammal Hall.

Wednesday, December 4
10am-12pm

Homeschool Program: Exploring Color in Art

Did you ever look at a work of art and wonder how the artist chose the colors? Do you prefer some colors over others? View artwork in this year’s Art of the State exhibit to learn about color theory, explore how the artists used color and create your own works of art through printmaking, watercolor and more. What colors will you choose?

Museum curators and educators from The State Museum will lead programs designed specifically for Homeschool families. Families will experience a guided gallery tour and discussion about the day’s topic, then participate in a hands-on family activity. These programs will give homeschooled students and their families an opportunity to engage with museum staff, ask questions, and work together. After the program, families may continue exploring the museum and enjoy Q & A with staff.

Pre-Registration and payment required call 717-772-6997 between 9am – 4pm daily to register or register in person at the Museum’s information desk.

Thursday, December 5
11:30am

Tin Shop

Travel back into one of the museum’s Village Square shops. Discover the role Pennsylvania played in the tin industry. Explore why and how this metal was used while examining some of the pieces from the museum’s collection. Create your own “tin punch” light screen.

Friday, December 6
10:30am

Storytime

Bring the little ones for a Storytime reading of The Mitten by Jan Brett, about a white mitten dropped in the snow and the woodland animals that find it and crawl inside. Learn what Pennsylvania animals do in the winter and create a picture of animals that might crawl into your mitten!

Friday, December 13
11:30am

Victorian Holiday Celebrations

Learn about the traditions, gifts, music, games and food that were used to celebrate the holidays during the 1800’s. Create a holiday craft to decorate your home or share with someone special.

Saturday, December 14
11:30am and 3pm

Dendrochronology

The rings inside a tree tell its story. If you were a tree what would your rings look like? Learn about the science of dendrochronology and how the rings tell the history of the area where the tree grew, explore how to count rings and make a craft using a tree slice.