HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The State Museum of Pennsylvania today announced its program schedule for February 2013:

Emancipation Proclamation Exhibit: In honor of the 150^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, a rare copy of the document signed by President Abraham Lincoln is on exhibit at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Visiting hours for this exhibit are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. The proclamation copy is on loan to the museum by the Union League of Philadelphia until Feb. 3. Historic documents from the collections of The State Museum and the Pennsylvania State Archives featured in the exhibit will remain on display through the month.

3^rd in the Burg – Artists Conversations: The State Museum will host another edition of its popular insiders' art tours for Harrisburg's "3rd in the Burg" arts and entertainment event on Friday, Feb. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., artist/photographer Kevyn Bashore will discuss his extensive 365 day iPhone photography journal project featured in the Susquehanna Art Museum's "Where There is Light" exhibit currently on view at the museum. Amy Hammond, exhibits curator for the Susquehanna Art Museum, will discuss the exhibit which closes Feb. 17. A reception following the Artists Conversations tour will be hosted by the Friends of the State Museum and is free to the public.

DOSHI Gallery Exhibit: The Susquehanna Art Museum will open a new exhibit in its DOSHI Gallery at The State Museum entitled "Course and Discourse" on Feb. 15.  Pairing works by students and their professors from a number of central Pennsylvania colleges and universities, the exhibit will continue through May 6.  A reception for the exhibit will take place at The State Museum for the "3^rd in the Burg," on Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m.

StoryTime, A Curiosity Connection Reading Series: State Museum volunteers and staff will offer a children's book reading program on Friday mornings from Feb. 15 through March 8. Featuring a different book each week, the readings begin at 10 a.m., followed by a related play activity. Suggested for children aged 3-5 years, but all ages can enjoy the reading. Free with museum admission.

The State Planetarium: Bigger, Brighter, Bolder! The State Museum presents its newly-upgraded "Planetarium XD," featuring the latest state-of-the-art technology. Shows in February include:

"Legends of the Night Sky: Orion" (pre-K to grade 2)
Narrated by Aesop the Owl and Socrates the Mouse, this fully animated cartoon takes a light-hearted look at the myths and stories associated with the winter constellation Orion, the great hunter, and how he and his hunting dogs came to be in the night sky. Shows are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m.

"Ice Worlds" (grade 4 and up) In travels to the Arctic and the Antarctic regions of our planet, "Ice Worlds" examines the ecosystems that live and thrive there, demonstrating how their survival is connected with our own. Shows are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, noon and 2 p.m.; Saturdays, noon and 2 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.

Planetarium shows are $2 per person, in addition to general admission; free to State Museum Affiliate Members. 

The State Museum Store: The State Museum Store is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Purchases support the ongoing educational mission of The State Museum of Pennsylvania. 

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 Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 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