October Highlights at State Museum of Pennsylvania Include Archaeology Month, Great Pumpkin Day

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The State Museum of Pennsylvania today announced its program schedule for October:

Archaeology Month:  As part of a national observance, the achievements of exploring and understanding the past through archaeology are commemorated by The State Museum every October. This year the museum will continue its annual dig—to which the public is invited to watch—to uncover the 18th century remains of Fort Hunter in Dauphin County through Friday, Oct. 14, and open an interpretive display on the findings of the Fort Hunter dig on the museum's second floor.

National Fossil Day: The State Museum will mark National Fossil Day with public tours of the special paleontology exhibit "Life Through Time," featuring the recently restored Marshall's Creek mastodon at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m., with a special tour for pre-schoolers at 9:45 a.m. Tours are free with museum admission.  

3rd in the Burg:  Join The State Museum on Friday, Oct. 22, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a fun and seasonal "3rd in the Burg" reception sponsored by Harrisburg Young Professionals. Free.

DOSHI Gallery Talk:  Art historian Selby M. Doughty will present "Here's to the Ladies," exploring the influence of the female muse on select major artists throughout history. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Art Museum, the lecture will be held at The State Museum on Sun., Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. and is free with museum admission.

Great Pumpkin Day: The State Museum will offer a family event for the harvest season on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Young children and their parents will enjoy a spooky scavenger hunt exploring the exhibit galleries, Halloween cartoons and crafts. Free with museum admission.

Featured Planetarium Shows:

• Star Stories of the Native Americans (grade 2 and up). Explore the night sky legends of the Native Americans and discover how these tales helped to develop an understanding of the night sky and its importance to the Native American people. Sat., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m.
• Ultimate Universe (grade 4 and up). From the edge of space and time, through vast fields of wondrous galaxies, to the majesty of our solar system, take a grand tour of the universe and experience its most provocative secrets.  Sat., noon and 2 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.

Planetarium shows are $2 per person in addition to general admission; free to museum members.

The State Museum Store:  The recently expanded State Museum Store is now open for business, offering an array of Pennsylvania-themed products and gift items for all ages.  The State Museum Store is located on the ground floor of The State Museum. State Museum Affiliate Members and Pennsylvania Heritage Society members receive 10 percent off purchases at the store. Admission to the store is free. The shop is open Wed. through Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 4 p.m.

Closed on Columbus Day: The State Museum's administrative offices and galleries will be closed on Mon., Oct. 10, in observance of Columbus Day.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, is one of 25 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History®. The State Museum offers expansive collections interpreting Pennsylvania's fascinating heritage. With exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the Native American experience, the colonial and revolutionary era, a pivotal Civil War battleground, and the Commonwealth's vast industrial age, The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania's story is America's story. Museum hours are Wed. through Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children and senior citizens.

For more information about the museum, visit www.statemuseumpa.org.

Media contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission