Press

ALBANY, NY – “Birds, Butterflies and Bats’’ is the theme of the New York State

Museum’s next Family Fun Weekend, February 3 – 4.

“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, “Mammals Revealed’’ will be screened. Narrated by Dr.

Roland Kays, the Museum’s curator of mammals, the video shows how scientists study

wild mammals and share their discoveries. Visitors can also see the Museum’s

unique collection of birds, bats and butterflies.

They can make and decorate butterfly-shaped sun catchers to hang in the window, as

well as stenciled note cards shaped like butterflies. Children can also go on a scavenger

hunt, participate in coloring activities and get a packet filled with coloring sheets and

puzzles to take home.

At 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. the “Winter Sky” show will be presented in the inflatable Star

Lab Planetarium. The display will provide a preview of the stars’ position that night,

which participants can check for themselves later. The show, in the Carole F. Huxley

Theater (formerly known as Museum Theater), is limited to 30 people, who must obtain

a free ticket at the information desk in the lobby.

“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

StateEducation 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.