Press

ALBANY, NY – The New York State Museum’s next Family Fun Weekend, Feb. 4 -5th, will focus on “Birds, Butterflies and Bats’’ and teach visitors how scientists study wild mammals and present their discoveries.

Activities both days take place from 1 to 4 p.m. and are free of charge. “Mammals Revealed,” a video in which the Museum’s curator of mammals, Dr. Roland Kays, talks about how scientists locate and examine secretive creatures, will play continuously.

At 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., a “Winter Sky” show is scheduled in the Star Lab Planetarium in the Museum Theater. Shows are limited to groups of 30 and visitors must obtain a free ticket at the information desk in the lobby.

Throughout the day, visitors may also view a unique display of birds, bats and butterflies from Museum collections and learn the differences in how bats and a birds use their wings. Children can make a butterfly sun catcher and take home a packet filled with animal puzzles and 16 pages of information on birds, bats and butterflies, as well as sheets they can color. Other events include animal-themed scavenger hunt, face painting and a 3:30 p.m. story time. All activities, except the planetarium, take place in Bird Hall.

Family Fun Weekends offer theme-based family activities the first weekend of the month.

The New York State Museum, established in 1836, is a program of the New York State Department of 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 fully accessible. 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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