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, January 3
10:30am

Storytime: Knight Owl

Join us for a Storytime reading of the Caldicott Award winning book Knight Owl written by Christopher Denise. Owl may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle. What Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas and a surprising display of bravery. Following the story learn about how the Great-horned Owl displays amazing adaptations that help it live in its forest home. Create an owl craft to take home with you.

Storytime programs are designed for ages 3 to 5. The program is included with general admission to the museum, but space is limited and served on a first come basis.

Friday, January 17
11:30am

Football

It’s time for the playoffs, let’s see how far our Pennsylvania teams can make it. Discover the history and science behind the sport. Learn about the teams and players from Pennsylvania. Cheer your team on and create your own team’s football helmet.
 

Saturday, January 18
10:30am

Storytime: Knight Owl

Join us for a Storytime reading of the Caldicott Award winning book Knight Owl written by Christopher Denise. Owl may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle. What Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas and a surprising display of bravery. Following the story learn about how the Great-horned Owl displays amazing adaptations that help it live in its forest home. Create an owl craft to take home with you.

Storytime programs are designed for ages 3 to 5. The program is included with general admission to the museum, but space is limited and served on a first come basis.

Friday, January 24
11:30am

Crayons

Discover the history and art of crayons. For over 100 years Crayola has been the favorite art tool for children and adults. This Pennsylvania based company has inspired countless projects, test some of new innovative crafts.

Saturday, January 25
11:30am - 3pm

Transportation: Horse to Auto

Discover the story behind moving our source of transportation from horse to auto. Compare these trends to today’s challenges. Test your innovative skills and creating your own wind car.

Family programs are included with general admission and designed for all ages.

Wednesday, January 29
11:30am

A Bird's Eye View

Explore T.M. Fowler’s views of Pennsylvania. Take a deeper look at the cities and towns that forged our industrial state. Test your skills and see if you can sketch your own bird’s-eye view.

Friday, January 31
11:30am

Groundhog

Do you think the groundhog can really predict the beginning of Spring? Learn more about groundhogs and other rodents in Pennsylvania.

Saturday, February 1
11:30am - 3pm

Let it Snow!

Brrr! If it is cold outside, then it might snow, but only if the conditions are just right. Find out how a snowflake forms, how much snow to expect in a Pennsylvania winter and make some “snow”!

Wednesday, February 5
11:30am 

Animal Senses

Some animals use their tongues to smell and others can feel with their whiskers. Compare your 5 human senses to those of wild animals. Come prepared to touch, taste, smell, see and hear.

Friday, February 7
10:30am 

Storytime

Henri-Emile Matisse was an artist who was best known for his paintings. When a serious illness confined him to a wheelchair, he began exploring color and shapes through paper cut-outs. Explore more about Matisse’s life through reading Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter and “paint with scissors” to create a collage with cut-out shapes.

Storytime programs are designed for ages 3 to 5. The program is included with general admission to the museum, but space is limited and served on a first come basis.

Wednesday, February 12
11:30am 

Valentine's Day Traditions

Why are cupids, roses, and hearts part of valentines? Has red always been the favorite color? Discover the traditions behind Valentine’s Day and the role of Pennsylvania. Make your own traditional valentines.

Friday, February 14
11:30am

Valentine's Day

Join Curiosity Kids to learn about VALENTINE’S DAY. Why is red popular? What is a cupid? Why do people give Valentine’s cards? Discover these traditions and learn how to make your own Valentines.

Saturday, February 15
10 - 11:30am and  1:30 - 3pm

Chatting Through Time

Join us as we learn about how people have communicated with each other through history. Discover how people have used different innovations to share their ideas and thoughts with others. Create your own secret message using the same techniques used by General Washington at Valley Forge.

Wednesday, February 19
11:30am 

Chair Shop

Join us as we discover the Chair Shop in the Village Square. Explore the many styles of chairs from the museum’s collection. Discover different types of techniques used to decorate chairs and create your own wood inlay design.

Friday, February 21
11:30am

Gravity

Join the Planetarium Director  in Nature Lab to learn about gravity. Explore what gravity is and how it works. Participate in a bit of experimentation using gravity.

Saturday, February 22
10:30am 

Storytime

Henri-Emile Matisse was an artist who was best known for his paintings. When a serious illness confined him to a wheelchair, he began exploring color and shapes through paper cut-outs. Explore more about Matisse’s life through reading Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter and “paint with scissors” to create a collage with cut-out shapes.

Storytime programs are designed for ages 3 to 5. The program is included with general admission to the museum, but space is limited and served on a first come basis.