Press

ALBANY, NY – “Early settlers” will be the theme of the New York State Museum’s November

4-5 Family Fun Weekend, which will focus on the lives of New York’s colonial settlers and the

soldiers who protected them.

The program, which is presented free of charge, takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. both

days and will give young people a glimpse of the ways in which people endured harsh upstate

winters in the 18th century. Events take place in the Adirondack Hall on the Museum’s first floor.

Both afternoons, re-enactors from British Army units, which served in and around the Capital

Region during the French and Indian War, will be encamped, appearing as they might have

in 1758. They will play the role of two units -- the 55th Light Infantry and the Grenadiers of

the British Army. Commanded by Capt. Chris Cook of Springfield, MA, the soldiers of the 55th

will act out chores and drills and demonstrate how they made and used winter gear. These

soldiers protected settlers against raids by the French and Indians who were coming from the

North. Often their wives and children traveled with them.

Wendy Nollner of the Museum’s visitor services staff will demonstrate crafts of colonial

women. Children can also make their own crafts, including an old-fashioned sheep ornament.

They can also make a spinning top, which was a favorite of children in that era. The Museum will

also hold a scavenger hunt, with prizes, and give children an activity packet with games and

puzzles.

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At 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday a display in the Museum’s Star Lab

will show how early settlers used the sky to help determine their daily activities. The Star Lab is

presented in the Museum Theater, across from West Gallery. Attendance is limited to 30 people

and tickets must be picked up in the lobby.

Family Fun Weekends offer theme-based family activities and are held 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,

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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