Press

ALBANY, NY – Visitors to the New York State Museum’s Family Fun Weekend October 17-18 can join in the celebration of this year’s Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial, with Dutch folk music and dancing and other activities focusing on “400 Years of Dutch Influence.”

On Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m., the musical group "Peter, Paul and George," from Dance Flurry, will perform Dutch folk music and lead visitors in Dutch dancing. Dance Flurry is a non-profit organization that aims to connect and inspire people through traditional music and dance. Dance Flurry sponsors the annual Dance Flurry Festival in Saratoga Springs and sponsors numerous other year-round activities in the Capital District.

Also on Sunday, the Dutch Settlers Society will come in costume and participate in the afternoon’s activities. Founded in 1924, the Dutch Settlers are dedicated to preserving the area’s Dutch heritage and celebrating the accomplishments of their Dutch ancestors. Many members of the group are descended from the original settlers of Fort Orange/Beverwyck from 1624-1664, but it is not necessary to have a Dutch surname to become a member of the group.

SmileMonster, the mascot of Family Fun Weekend promotional sponsor SmileMonster.com, will be greeting visitors on Saturday.

Family Fun activities will be held both days from 1- 4 p.m. in South Hall. Other activities will include a craft participants can make and take home. There also will be a coloring table and small museum pins will be given away to visitors.

Family Fun Weekends offer theme-based family activities on the third weekend of the month. The New York State Museum, established in 1836, is a program of the New YorkState Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at the Empire State Plaza on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free and the Museum is fullyaccessible. Further information about Museum programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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