Press

ALBANY, NY – “Harvest in New York’’ will be the theme of the New York State

Museum’s next Family Fun Weekend, September 2 – 3.

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

days and will acquaint young people with the steps that go into producing our food

and clothing.

Throughout the afternoon Saturday, participants will watch sheep’s wool transformed

with a “sheep to shawl’’ demonstration by Wendy Nollner, a visitor services assistant at

the Museum. Using photographs and samples, she will show how early settlers sheared

the sheep and prepared the fleece for spinning into yarn. Food preservation is another

harvest practice that will be highlighted on Saturday, when Sandra Varno, a registered

dietician and nutrition educator from Cornell University Cooperative Extension of

Albany County, describes the process and provides examples of the result. Varno will

show a video by Alice Waters, a California-based chef who has become well-known for

promoting healthy, locally-grown food in schools and restaurants.

Harvest treats will be offered up both days. On Saturday only, Indian Ladder Farms of

Altamont will provide samples of its many varieties of apples to allow participants to

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taste the difference. On Sunday, the Museum will follow with its own apple tasting

activity, which will also emphasize the importance of products that are grown in the

region.

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

will show how Native People used the sky to determine when to harvest their crops and

when to hunt. The show, which will also discuss Native American mythology, will be

presented in the Museum Theater. Attendance is limited to 30 people and tickets must be

picked up in the lobby.

All other activities will be held in the lobby. Both afternoons, young people can make

crafts using popcorn or dried corn. Using plaster of Paris, they can also make harvest

leaves that can be turned into refrigerator magnets. Also scheduled are a scavenger hunt

with prizes and a 3:30 p.m. story time featuring tales of harvest in New York.

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

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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