Press

ALBANY, NY – “Spring has Sprung ’’ will be the theme of the New York State Museum’s next Family Fun Weekend, April 7 and 8.

The “Family Fun Weekend, Presented by Fidelis Care” takes place from 1- 4 p.m. both days. Activities, which are free of charge, are held in Bird Hall, on the Museum’s first floor.

Throughout the afternoon visitors can make a ceramic flower magnet to paint and hang on the refrigerator or a spring-themed stained glass panel to hang in a window.Children can also choose a spring design to have painted on their faces. Museum staff will also give out planting packets filled with tips on planting flowers and seeds in the ground. Also scheduled is a scavenger hunt with prizes.

On Saturday, Museum visitors will also have an opportunity to see an original play free of charge that is based on the legends and culture of the Iroquois people. “A Song, A Dance, A Story: Legends of the Iroquois Longhouse’’ will be performed at 2 p.m. in South Hall.
Capital Repertory Theatre commissioned playwright Ed. Lange to write a work about the Iroquois appropriate for grades 3 and up. “A Song’’ is part of Capital Repertory’s spring school performance series. It was inspired by the work of Albany painter Thomas Dorsey, Jr., who is also known by his Indian name, “Tom Two Arrows.’’ The play is also based on interviews with Michael Tarbell of the Iroquois Indian Museum. The

contemporary story follows what happens when a young lacrosse player, frustrated that he has not made a team, encounters people of the Longhouse.

Playgoers will also be able to visit “Ska-Ni-Kwat: (The Power of the Good Mind), Iroquois Beadwork,” exhibition in an adjacent gallery, as well as the Museum’s longhouse, also nearby.

“Family Fun Weekends, Presented by Fidelis Care” offer theme-based family activities, on the first weekend of the month.

The New York State Museum, established in 1836, is a program of the New York State Education Department. 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 and Christmas. Admission is free and the Museum is fully accessible.

Further information about Museum programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum Web site at www.nysm.nysed.gov.