|
Science Center and Historical Society Form Partnership
Ever since the Yankee traveled south to peddle nutmegs over 200 years ago, our state has been known for its ingenuity and genius. Connecticut's talent for creativity and tinkering has led to inventions ranging from the cotton gin and the helicopter to typewriters and even the Frisbee.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the Science Center of Connecticut and the Connecticut Historical Society have formed a partnership to promote history and science. "The two fields are inextricably tied to each other," said David Kahn, Executive Director of the Connecticut Historical Society. "What better way to celebrate our state's creative past than for the Science Center and CHS to work together."
As part of the collaboration, visitors to "The World We Create," the Science Center's newest exhibit, will see Connecticut inventions from the Historical Society's vast collections. Visitors to either location will receive a coupon good for discounted admission at the other site.
"We've just begun to scratch the surface," said Ed Forand, Jr., the Science Center's President and CEO. "Future collaborations may include enhanced exhibits, programming ventures and more. This partnership will enrich and deepen the visitor's experience with each attraction. We will focus on the connection between science and history by offering learning experiences that make that connection."
"The World We Create" encourages visitors to see how human creativity solves problems and advances technology. The exhibit features interactive stations that let the visitor become the problem solver, whether the task is building a tower that can withstand an earthquake or designing a new kind of bicycle. Historical artifacts on display range from seemingly simple tools, such as an apple peeler, to more complex inventions, like a clock's wooden gears, which were invented in Connecticut in 1820.
Other exhibits at the Science Center include the Star Station One Gallery and the ZOOMZone. The Gengras Planetarium has ongoing presentations for visitors of all ages. And the UTC Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 50 species of reptiles, birds and mammals.
At the Connecticut Historical Society, visitors can follow the trail of an early settler and step into the American Revolution in the exhibition "Tours and Detours Through Early Connecticut." The Amistad exhibition features a sound and light show. "Family Stories, Family Sagas" lets visitors listen to the stories of the six New England families through portable MP3 players. On weekends, kids and kids-at-heart can dress up in over sixty different costumes in the activity room in "Join the Circus."
The Science Center of Connecticut is located at 950 Trout Brook Dr. in West Hartford. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. Admission to the exhibits is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors and children (ages 3 to 12); free for Science Center members and children under 3. Hours and admission for the Gengras Planetarium vary. For more info call 860-231-2824; or visit <www.sciencecenterct.org>.
The Connecticut Historical Society is located at One Elizabeth St. in Hartford. Museum exhibition hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon-5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for seniors, students and youth (ages 6-17); free for CHS members and children under 6. For more info call 860-236-5621, ext 249; or visit <www.chs.org>.
| 
