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February 2009
News on events, programs and exhibits at The Children's Museum

Special Hours and Shows for
February Vacation Week


The Children’s Museum will be open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily from February 16 to February 20. We’ll be offering hourly planetarium shows, live animal events, and exciting science demonstrations. Come spend some vacation time with us.

February Vacation Schedule for the Traveler’s Science Dome at the Gengras Planetarium

10:30 am       Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
11:30 am       Astronaut
12:30 pm       Earth’s Wild Ride
1:30 pm         Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
2:30 pm         Astronaut
3:30 pm         Earth’s Wild Ride
4:30 pm         Connecticut Skies Live
5:30 pm         Molecularium

February Vacation Science

There’s still time to register for The Children’s Museum’s Vacation Science program, February 16 to February 20. Join us for five science-packed days. Choose from Edible Science, Junior Space Explorers, Animal Safari, Mighty Machines, and Crazy Chemistry. Each day is filled with hands-on science excitement. Explore the Museum, conduct mad science experiments, see one of our planetarium shows, and meet some of our live animals.

Visit our website for detailed information or call 860.231.2830 x44 to register. Spaces are filling up fast! Register today.

Freaky Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Friday, February 13, 2009
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Galileo was born 445 years ago this week. He built one of the first telescopes and discovered that Jupiter had moons and Saturn had rings. Without Galileo we might have continued to think that the Earth was the center of the Universe. On this fearful date, learn about other sky superstitions, and how astronomers have managed to prove them wrong.

$8/person for Museum members,
$10/person for non-members
To register, call 860.231.2830 x44 or e-mail Events@TheChildrensMuseumCT.org.

The Children’s Museum Preschool February Vacation Program

Brrr…..It’s Cold Outside
February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Come in out of the cold for some winter fun. Children ages 4, 5 and 6 will learn about animals, their habitats, and hibernation, and enjoy winter activities. The program includes visits to the Museum, art experiences, blocks, legos, outdoor play, and more.

Choose from a half-day or full-day program. A minimum of two days is required. For additional information and to register, call the Preschool at 860.523.7449.

Great Observatories International Year of Astronomy Image Unveiling

Wednesday, February 18, 2009
1:00 pm

The Children’s Museum has been selected as one of a hundred informal education institutions to receive two prints that display different multi-wavelength views of the spiral galaxy Messier 101 obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray Observatory. The 3’ x 3’ and 3’ x 6’ images will be revealed in our Green Gallery on February 18. During the day, children will also have the opportunity to paint their own galaxies to take home. This event is free with admission.

Free Sunday Program Ends

February 1, 2009 was the final Free Admission Sunday. In March 2009, Aetna’s continued support will be refocused to support our Science Achievement for All education outreach to schools. We thank Aetna for continued support in bringing the wonder of discovery and learning to children.

UTC Wildlife Sanctuary Fundraiser Photo Contest

Have you taken a great picture of a Museum animal and would like to share it with our visitors? Enter your animal photo in the UTC Wildlife Sanctuary Fundraiser Photo Contest for a chance to win $50 and have your photo displayed in our Green Gallery. The contest entry fee is $10.

Send an 8”x10” color or black and white photo with entry fee by February 23, 2009 to:
Photo Contest
The Children’s Museum
950 Trout Brook Drive
West Hartford, CT 06119

Include your name, age, address and phone number on the back of the photo. Staff judges will vote for the best 20 photos which will be displayed in the Green Gallery. Visitors will vote for the best photo which will receive a cash prize. Please do not enter the contest if you are a professional photographer.

SteveSongs Benefit Concert

Thursday, April 16, 2009
10:30 am
Wolcott Elementary School
71 Wolcott Road, West Hartford

Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs will perform his award-winning music for kids and families in a solo concert to benefit The Children’s Museum. Steve’s signature songs are educational and entertaining – music that both kids and parents will enjoy.

Tickets are $10 in advance at the the SteveSongs website or by calling 1.800.937.3397. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $15.

Save the Date for
A Child’s World


A Child’s World is The Children’s Museum’s 13th annual fundraising event to benefit our educational programming and exhibits, including our on-site and outreach programs for students in Connecticut’s priority school districts.

Saturday Evening, May 9, 2009
Tumble Brook Country Club
Bloomfield

Join us for an entertaining evening of special cocktails, sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions - including the opportunity to sponsor one of our wildlife sanctuary animals - and some special fun!

For more information call 860.231.2830 x 51 or visit our website.

The Children's Museum hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm; Sundays 12-5 pm

The Children's Museum is located at 950 Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford, Connecticut
860.231.2824 TheChildrensMuseumCT.org

February 2009

Family Orienteering/Winter Survival

Sunday, February 8, 2009
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
What do you do if you get lost in the winter woods? Learn to find your way using a map, compass and your own ingenuity. For children age 9 and up and adults.  

The Black and White Season

Susan Forbes Hansen's black-and-white winter photography will be exhibited in the Nature Center auditorium throughout the month of February. 

Maple Sugaring In Your Own Backyard

Sunday, March 1, 2009
2:00 pm

The Nature Center presents its annual maple sugaring demonstration. Learn to make syrup the easy way. 

Winter Story Hour Continues

Monday February 23, 2009
1:00 pm

The Nature Center's Winter Story Hour for pre-schoolers and their parents continues. Call 860.693.0263 to register.

Winter Discovery Days Continue

The Nature Center begins a whole new series of its Discovery Days enrichment programs in mid-February. Programs for pre-schoolers and parents, and for children in grades K-3. Call 860.693.0263 to register.

February Vacation Carnival

During the February school vacation week, the Nature Center offers a four-day morning program for students in grades K-5. Early registration is recommended. Call 860.693.0263 to register.

Visit the Roaring Brook Nature Center website for more details on all of these programs.

Nature Center Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm;
Sundays from 1 - 5 pm. Trails through Werner’s Woods open daily dawn until dusk.

The Roaring Brook Nature Center is located at 70 Gracey Road in Canton, Connecticut
860.693.0263 • RoaringBrook.org

The Children’s Museum sends regular emails to members and friends to keep you apprised of upcoming events. We encourage you to forward this email to friends who may also be interested in The Children’s Museum’s offerings. Thank you for reading!

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