Invention Convention 2013 Celebrates Top Student Inventions from More than 1300 Submissions
For Immediate Release
Invention Convention 2013 Celebrates Top Student Inventions from More than 1300 Submissions The creators of 100 inventions by elementary and middle school students were recognized as part of Invention Convention 2013 at a reception and awards ceremony at miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly Schenectady Museum) on Sunday, May 19, 2013.The event is a long time partnership between the museum and GE to engage young people in the innovation process and encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers. From Glow in the Dark Twister to a Clear Glass Waffle Iron to a Saddle Warmer, the inventions were chosen from 1318 submissions representing 42 schools and two home schools around the Capital Region. Additionally, the creators of the top 25 inventions were honored as finalists, as chosen by a volunteer team of scientists, patent lawyers and other professionals from GE and other local companies. Invention Convention is an annual student invention competition open to Capital District students from grades K through eight from public, private and home schools from as far south as New York City and as far north as Glens Falls. Students were invited to submit a proposal of an original idea for a device or a method for solving a problem that can occur in the environment, in technology or industry, in the classroom, home or during leisure time activities. A volunteer team of GE scientists and patent lawyers, along with other professionals from the community evaluated the submissions and chose the top 100 entries, based on a list of ten criteria. These students were invited to make models of their inventions, which were on display at miSci from May 3-19. The volunteer team subsequently selected the top 25 finalists and their names were announced at Sunday’s Regional Awards ceremony. “miSci is proud to collaborate with area schools, GE and other corporate supporters to offer Invention Convention, which stimulates creativity and imagination and promotes the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Teaching students how to invent and apply problem-solving skills helps nurture the next generation of inventors and scientists,” notes miSci Executive Director Mac Sudduth. “Invention Convention is an important annual initiative for the region’s science center.” Guest speaker at this year’s ceremony was GE Global Research Senior Electronics Cooling Researcher Peter de Bock, who delivered a special presentation on Embrace Your Inner Inventor! de Bock’s current focus is on cooling electronics for airplanes and consumer products. He leads a large effort to make electronics for aircraft more powerful and reliable. de Bock is also the lead developer on a new air mover technology called Dual Cool Jets. The Dual Cool Jet technology work has been extensively featured in international magazines and in the recent issue of Popular Mechanics. This new technology is being developed for more powerful and thin mobile products such as tablets and laptops. A GE scientist or engineer is annually selected to be the Invention Convention keynote speaker. Since its inception in 1997, GE has supported Invention Convention with more than 600 volunteers and $80,000 in funding. “Invention Convention is an important regional program to help advance student interest in science and technology,” added Christine Horne, Manager of Public and Community Relations for GE Power & Water. “We are always amazed at the ideas the students generate and hope this will be a spark that encourages them to continue thinking how innovation can impact the world.” The following are Invention Convention 2013 supporters: GE , MVP Healthcare, M & T Bank, Neil • Jane William • Estelle Golub Family Foundation, Inc., Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation,1st Playable Productions, LLC, Berkshire Bank, CSArch Architecture | Engineering | Construction Management, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, Hoffman Warnick LLC, New York State United Teachers, and Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP. About Invention Convention
In 1997, two GE patent attorneys approached the Alliance about reinstating Invention Convention in the Capital Region. The Alliance opted not to be involved, but directed them to the Schenectady Museum. The Museum took on the program, given the strong connection with its mission and collections. A planning committee with members from GE and the Museum was formed, along with representatives from Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, and later Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. The team has been dedicated to engaging students in the innovation process for more than 15 years. Participation has increased steadily from 167 in 1998 to 1318 this year. About miSci
About GE
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From Glow in the Dark Twister to a Clear Glass Waffle Iron to a Saddle Warmer, Invention Convention 2013 at miSci Showcases Top 100 Student Inventions from Over 1300 Submissions
For Immediate Release
From Glow in the Dark Twister to a Clear Glass Waffle Iron to a Saddle Warmer, Invention Convention 2013 at miSci Showcases Top 100 Student Inventions from Over 1300 Submissions From Glow in the Dark Twister to a Clear Glass Waffle Iron to a Saddle Warmer, 100 inventions created by elementary and middle school students chosen from over 1,300 submissions representing 42 schools and 2 home schools around the Capital Region will be on display at miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) as part of Invention Convention 2013 from May 3 through May 19, 2013. Invention Convention is an annual student invention competition open to Capital District students from grades K through eight from public, private and home schools from as far south as New York City and as far north as Glens Falls. Students are invited to submit an original idea for an invention that solves a problem. The top 100 entries are then invited to create a model of their concept. These inventions are on display at miSci through May 19, 2013. Students were invited to submit a proposal of an original idea for a device or a method for solving a problem that can occur in the environment, in technology or industry, in the classroom, home or even during leisure time activities. This year 1,318 entries were received, a dramatic increase from the 167 received in 1998, according to miSci Education Specialist Elizabeth Hoffman. A volunteer team of scientists, patent lawyers and other professionals from the community evaluated the submissions and chose the top 100 entries. “miSci is proud to collaborate with area schools, our sponsors, scientists and teachers to offer Invention Convention, which stimulates creativity and imagination and promotes the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Teaching students how to invent and apply problem-solving skills helps nurture the next generation of inventors and scientists,” notes Hoffman. The Regional Awards Ceremony will be Sunday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. at miSci to celebrate the 100 student inventor semi-finalists and to announce 25 finalists. General Electric (GE) Global Research Senior Electronics Cooling Researcher Peter de Bock will deliver a special presentation entitled Embrace Your Inner Inventor! at the ceremony. Originally a native of the Netherlands, de Bock received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. de Bock moved to the United State in 2003 to work at GE Global Research. In his role as electronics cooling researcher, de Bock has worked on the wide variety of products that GE makes. His efforts have helped make power plants more efficient and keep electronic systems more cool and reliable. de Bock’s current focus is on cooling electronics for airplanes and consumer products. He leads a large effort to make electronics for aircraft more powerful and reliable. de Bock is also the lead developer on a new air mover technology called Dual Cool Jets. The Dual Cool Jet technology work has been extensively featured in international magazines and in the recent issue of Popular Mechanics. This new technology is being developed for more powerful and thin mobile products such as tablets and laptops. The following are Invention Convention 2013 sponsors: Inventor – GE , MVP Healthcare; Problem Solvers – M & T Bank, Neil • Jane William • Estelle Golub Family Foundation, Inc., Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation; Tinkerers – 1st Playable Productions, LLC, Berkshire Bank, CSArch Architecture | Engineering | Construction Management, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, Hoffman Warnick LLC, New York State United Teachers, and Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP. About Invention Convention
In 1997, two GE patent attorneys approached the Alliance about reinstating Invention Convention in the Capital Region. The Alliance opted not to be involved, but directed them to the Schenectady Museum. The Museum took on the program, given the strong connection with its mission and collections. A planning committee with members from GE and the Museum was formed, along with representatives from Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, and later Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. The team has been dedicated to engaging students in the innovation process for more than 10 years. Participation has increased steadily from 167 in 1998 to 1,428 this year. About miSci
miSci celebrates THINK® created by IBM, an exhibit on making the world work better
For immediate release
miSci celebrates THINK® created by IBM, an exhibit on making the world work better
THINK® created by IBM, a new exhibit on making the world work better with the help of technology, was celebrated today at miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly Schenectady Museum) by a crowd of business, technology, education and community leaders. Students from Tech Valley High School helped to officially open the exhibit.
To download the THINK® created by IBM exhibit app:
About miSci
# Rensselaer Engineering Students Bring Exploring Engineering Days
For immediate release Rensselaer Engineering Students Bring Exploring Engineering Days to miSci Saturdays in April Rensselaer’s School of Engineering students are bringing the popular Exploring Engineering Days to miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays in April, April 6, April 13, April 20 and April 27. Three or four unique Exploring Engineering Day activities will be presented every Saturday in April in 30-minute blocks of time with staggered starts of two sessions beginning at 1:00 pm and the second starting at 1:15 pm. The activities will be led by 15 different collegiate and high school teams. Exploring Engineering Day is an engineering educational outreach program for children grade three through grade six that takes place annually on Rensselaer’s campus, most recently on Saturday, February 16, 2013. This program is supported by student leaders of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and under the guidance of Barbara Ruel, Director of Diversity and Women in Engineering Programs at Rensselaer. This year, the reach of Exploring Engineering Day program activities was broadened with an opportunity for high school honor students to learn about engineering firsthand. High school honors students observed Rensselaer undergraduate students who led hands-on activities at Exploring Engineering Day in February, participated in a special two-hour training session in March to learn how to deliver one of the activities, and will work side-by-side with the college students to deliver the activities with children at miSci. The Exploring Engineering Days at miSci program is made possible by 12 student groups from Rensselaer’s School of Engineering and a grant from the national Society of Women Engineers and ExxonMobil. Admission to Exploring Engineering Day activities is free with miSci admission ($6.50 children 3 - 12; $8 seniors 65+; $9.50 adults); add $5 for a Planetarium Show. miSci is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 6 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13; Saturday, April 20; and Saturday, April 27. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit www.miSci.org. Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. In 2012, miSci entered into a partnership program with the San Francisco-based Exploratorium’s ExNET (Exploratorium Network for Exhibit-Based Teaching) program, miSci receives a different group of hands-on, exploratory-rich exhibits each year for five years, as well as access to the Exploratorium resources to advance each partner’s work in specific areas such as education, inquiry, science engagement, and exhibit development. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci’s Archives houses an 1878 Edison tinfoil, the second oldest documented Edison tinfoil recording, the oldest playable American voice. miSci offers Science Zone, with weekly hands-on activities and challenges; Saturday Science Zone activities are sponsored by National Grid. # miSci Extending Hours for Spring Break: Last Chance to See Butterflies
For immediate release
miSci Extending Hours for Spring Break: Last Chance to See Butterflies
miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly Schenectady Museum) is offering extended hours during Spring Break and will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30, Monday, April 1 through Saturday, April 6 and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7. miSci is closed Easter Sunday, March 31. Discover Butterflies before it closes for this year on April 7 as well as Seeing, planetarium shows, hands-on science activities, demos and NanoDays, a national celebration of nanoscale science featuring educator-led nanotechnology activities and demonstrations. Visitors can escape winter’s chill and discover brilliantly colored native butterflies at Butterflies, miSci’s new indoor butterfly house open through April 7. See Monarchs, Black Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Spicebush Swallowtails, and Tiger Swallowtails flying about (and possibly landing on you!) as miSci re-creates their habitat– the edge of an open field with flowers and trees. Be sure to stop at the chrysalis chamber to see the butterflies as they emerge. Learn about the exciting life cycles of the butterflies, and learn about how to create butterfly-friendly environments outside your own home. Butterflies is sponsored in part by the Academy of the Holy Names and Freihofer’s.
In addition to Butterflies, NanoDays and Seeing, miSci is offering Planetarium Shows each day during break week:
Admission to Butterflies and Seeing, demos and science activities are free with museum admission ($6.50 children 3 - 12; $8 seniors 65+; $9.50 adults); add $5 for a Planetarium Show. miSci is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30, Monday, April 1 through Saturday, April 6 and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7. miSci is closed Easter Sunday, March 31. miSci is closed Easter Sunday, March 31. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit www.miSci.org. Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. In 2012, miSci entered into a partnership program with the San Francisco-based Exploratorium’s ExNET (Exploratorium Network for Exhibit-Based Teaching) program, miSci receives a different group of hands-on, exploratory-rich exhibits each year for five years, as well as access to the Exploratorium resources to advance each partner’s work in specific areas such as education, inquiry, science engagement, and exhibit development. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci’s Archives houses an 1878 Edison tinfoil, the second oldest documented Edison tinfoil recording, the oldest playable American voice. miSci offers Science Zone, with weekly hands-on activities and challenges; Saturday Science Zone activities are sponsored by National Grid.
miSci Announces Spring into Science Classes for April Break
For Immediate Release
miSci Announces Spring into Science Classes for April Break
miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) announces Spring into Science Classes, hands-on fun for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5. miSci is offering the following 5-day Spring into Science Classes: • Discovering Dinosaurs (kindergarten - grade 2)
Cost for each 5-day class is $200. There is a 10% discount for miSci members and for second child in class. Before and after care is available at an additional $10 per hour. Students provide their own lunches. Registration and pre-payment are required. Call 382-7890 x 224 to register or for more information. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. # miSci’s New Preschool Science Class Spark! Offering Hands-on Fun Friday Mornings to Focus on Weather in March
For Immediate Release miSci’s New Preschool Science Class Spark! Offering Hands-on Fun Friday Mornings to Focus on Weather in March Spark!, a new preschool science class at miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) offers hands-on fun Friday mornings and will focus on weather 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. March 1, 8, 15 & 22. Each session of Spark! will use the scientific method at an age appropriate level for the pre-kindergarten participants and have a variety of hands-on activities and experiments. Spark! lets preschoolers discover science through hands-on fun Friday mornings. They will see, do and learn with other children and miSci Educators in a classroom setting, songs, stories, games, and other learning tools. Preschoolers can explore a different theme each week and a different topic each month. March focuses on Weather and will explore ice, wind, temperature and storms with the following classes and main themes: Spark! is offered Friday mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Cost is $50 for miSci members for all four classes or $15 per class; $70 for non-members for all four classes or $18 per class. Registration and pre-payment are required. Call 382-7890 x 224 to register or for more information. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. miSci Offers Extended Hours for February School Break
For immediate release miSci Offers Extended Hours for February School Break miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly Schenectady Museum) is offering extended hours during February School Break and will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 16, Monday, February 18 through Friday, February 23 and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 17 and 24. Discover Butterflies, Seeing, planetarium shows, hands-on science activities, and demos. Visitors can escape winter’s chill and discover hundreds of brilliantly colored native butterflies at Butterflies, miSci’s new indoor butterfly house. See Monarchs, Black Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and Red Admirals flying about (and possibly landing on you!) as miSci re-creates their habitat– the edge of an open field with flowers and trees. Be sure to stop at the chrysalis chamber to see the butterflies as they emerge. Learn about the exciting life cycles of the butterflies, and learn about how to create butterfly-friendly environments outside your own home. Butterflies is sponsored in part by the Academy of the Holy Names and Freihofer’s. Visitors will also enjoy Seeing, an interactive exhibit of hands-on fun from San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Seeing explores the anatomical and physiological features of the light-sensing eye and how the eye and brain work together to perform amazing feats. The exhibits in Seeing originated at the Exploratorium, San Francisco, the prototype for hands-on science museums around the world. Seeing at miSci is presented through the generosity of Neil and Jane Golub and National Grid. In addition to Butterflies and Seeing, miSci is offering Planetarium Shows each day during break week: Admission to Butterflies and Seeing, demos and science activities are free with Museum admission; add $5 for a Planetarium Show. The Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 16, Monday, February 18 through Friday, February 23 and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 17 and 24. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit www.miSci.org. Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. In 2012, miSci entered into a partnership program with the San Francisco-based Exploratorium’s ExNET (Exploratorium Network for Exhibit-Based Teaching) program, miSci receives a different group of hands-on, exploratory-rich exhibits each year for five years, as well as access to the Exploratorium resources to advance each partner’s work in specific areas such as education, inquiry, science engagement, and exhibit development. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci’s Archives houses an 1878 Edison tinfoil, the second oldest documented Edison tinfoil recording, the oldest playable American voice. miSci offers Science Zone, with weekly hands-on activities and challenges; Saturday Science Zone activities are sponsored by National Grid. Butterflies, a New Indoor Butterfly House, Opens at miSci February 16
For immediate release Butterflies, an Indoor Butterfly House, Opens at miSci February 16 Butterflies, a new exhibit with hundreds of native butterflies fluttering about in an indoor butterfly house, opens Saturday, February 16 at miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly Schenectady Museum). miSci will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on opening day, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the rest of February School Break Week, Monday, February 18 through Saturday, February 23, and regular hours 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays. Opening Day activities include planetarium shows, physics and nanotechnology demos, and a special brain teaser hands-on activity in the Science Zone. 12:00 p.m. Just Imagine Planetarium Show 2:30-3:30 pm: Investigate: Nanotechnology Demo 3:00 pm: Seasonal Sky Tour Planetarium Show Shows at the Suits-Bueche Planetarium are powered by the GOTO Chronos Star Projector, a state-of-the-art star machine and teaching tool that lets visitors see 8,500 stars on the Planetarium dome, close to the actual number of visible stars in the night sky. Planetarium seating is limited. # miSci Announces New Board of Trustees Member and 2013 Officers
For Immediate Release miSci Announces New Board of Trustees Member and 2013 Officers miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) announces the addition of Esther Swanker to its Board of Trustees. Swanker is currently president of the Schenectady County Public Library Board of Trustees and serves or has served in volunteer leadership roles with a variety of organizations, including the Dominican Retreat House, Ellis Hospital Foundation, and the Mohawk Pathways Girl Scout Council. The following trustees will serve as officers on the Board of Trustees: Earl T. Redding, Esq., Attorney, Roemer Wallens & Mineaux LLP, will serve as president. Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. In 2012, miSci entered into a partnership program with the San Francisco-based Exploratorium’s ExNET (Exploratorium Network for Exhibit-Based Teaching) program, miSci receives a different group of hands-on, exploratory-rich exhibits each year for five years, as well as access to the Exploratorium resources to advance each partner’s work in specific areas such as education, inquiry, science engagement, and exhibit development. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci’s Archives houses an 1878 Edison tinfoil, the second oldest documented Edison tinfoil recording, the oldest playable American voice. miSci offers Science Zone, with weekly hands-on activities and challenges; Saturday Science Zone activities are sponsored by National Grid. # miSci Offers Spark!, New Preschool Science Class
For Immediate Release miSci Offers Spark!, New Preschool Science Class miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) is offering Spark!, a new preschool science class that explores a different topic each month with sessions 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the first four Fridays of the month. Each session of Spark! will use the scientific method at an age appropriate level for the pre-kindergarten participants and have a variety of hands-on activities and experiments. Spark! lets preschoolers discover science through hands-on fun Friday mornings. They will see, do and learn with other children and miSci Educators in a classroom setting, songs, stories, games, and other learning tools. Preschoolers can explore a different theme each week and a different topic each month. February’s Topic, Butterfly House Exploration, focuses on miSci’s new exhibit, Butterflies (February 16 through April 7) with the following classes and main themes: · Friday, February 1: A House of Sunlight explores what makes things grow and lets children grow a plant. · Friday, February 8: A Rocky, Sandy Place examines what constitutes dirt through sorting boulders, pebbles, gravel, and dirt. · February 15: Flower Food focuses on how flowers eat through dissecting a flower and examining suction with straws. · February 22: Butterflies Alive explores how butterflies live indoors with a visit to miSci’s new indoor butterfly house. Spark! is offered Friday mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Cost is $50 for miSci members for all four classes or $15 per class; $70 for non-members for all four classes or $18 per class. Registration and pre-payment are required. Call 382-7890 x 224 to register or for more information. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. # Vision and Learning: Help Your Child See Success with Dr. Robert Fox January 24
or Immediate Release Vision and Learning: Help Your Child See Success: Over 80% of what we learn comes in through our eyes. Looking close for long periods of time can be very stressful for many of our children. Symptoms of difficulty looking up close can include headaches, eye fatigue, and double vision. Other children may simply avoid doing close work or require hours to complete a 20-minute homework assignment. Dr. Robert Fox, O.D., F.C.O.V.D., will discuss how vision problems impact learning and school performance. He will discuss the latest research in this area, show how to screen for deficits, and discuss the treatments that are available for those children that struggle to read and learn due to a vision problem. There will be ample time provided for questions and answers. Robert S. Fox, O.D., F.C.O.V.D., holds a B.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Doctor of Optometry degree from the SUNY-State College of Optometry. He also completed a residency in Rehabilitative Optometry at the Northport V.A. Medical Center. A Fellow of the College of Optometry in Vision Development, Dr. Fox’s practice in Schenectady, NY, is limited to developmental and rehabilitative optometry. Dr. Fox is on staff at the Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady and is on the professional advisory committee of the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS). His publications include articles in the Journal of Optometric Vision Development, Investigative Ophthalmology, and Brain Injury Professional. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. Admission to Vision and Learning: Help Your Child See Success is free. While not required, RSVPs are appreciated. For more information or to register, please call 518.382.7890 x 228 or visit www.miSci.org/events. Snow date: Thursday, January 31. miSci Receives $1,500 Grant from Niskayuna Community Foundation for Middle School Science Education
For Immediate Release miSci Receives $1,500 Grant from Niskayuna Community Foundation for Middle School Science Education miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) has received $1,500 from the Niskayuna Community Foundation to support the delivery of science education programs to middle school students attending the Niskayuna Central School District. This outreach programming is an opportunity for youth to learn more about the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and inspire a passion for science during a critical developmental period. Fostering an interest in science is especially important here in Tech Valley where companies need talented scientists and engineers, and area colleges offer strong academic programs in engineering and nanoscale science. This programming will broaden and deepen students’ understanding and help prepare motivated young people to enter the workforce. The Niskayuna Community Foundation is an affiliate of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR) and is the only philanthropic organization which exclusively serves the Niskayuna community. Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci’s Archives houses an 1878 Edison tinfoil, the second oldest documented Edison tinfoil recording, the oldest playable American voice. miSci offers Science Zone, with weekly hands-on activities and challenges; Saturday Science Zone activities are sponsored by National Grid. In 2012, miSci entered into a partnership program with the San Francisco-based Exploratorium’s ExNET (Exploratorium Network for Exhibit-Based Teaching) program, miSci receives a different group of hands-on, exploratory-rich exhibits each year for five years, as well as access to the Exploratorium resources to advance each partner’s work in specific areas such as education, inquiry, science engagement, and exhibit development. # The Shop at miSci Offers Extended Evening Hours for the Holiday Season
For Immediate Release See the Face You Love Light Up with Science: Glitter Lamps, Morph Mugs, Crystal Growing Kits, Space Ice Cream, Mood Rings and More The Shop at miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) is offering extended evening hours for the holiday season. The Shop at miSci will be open special extended hours, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays (November 29 through December 21) and regular hours, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays for holiday shoppers looking for a wide variety of science toys, books, games, activity kits, t-shirts, artwork, and more! See the face you love light up with science with our popular glitter lamps, fiber optic lights and star theaters. Give someone the stars with our selection of wall clocks, astronomy-themed posters and art work. Introduce children to science with a 3D microscope, a bubble motion tumbler, or one of our many activity kits. The Shop at miSci also has a great selection of stocking stuffers: space ice cream, mood rings and bracelets, Newton’s cradle and more! Convenience Expert Gift Advice The Shop at miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. The Shop at miSci will be open extended hours, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday and Fridays (November 29 through December 21) and regular hours, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. Please call 518-382-7890 for more information. # miSci Announces New Executive Director
For Immediate Release miSci ANNOUNCES NEW LEADER Proven executive is organization’s latest step in planned transformation into a regional science center The board of trustees of miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) announce the appointment of William “Mac” Sudduth as executive director of the organization and the next step in a planned transformation to a regional science center. Sudduth replaces Teri Bordenave who served as interim executive director since February of this year. The appointment was effective November 5, 2012, according to Brad Lewis, president of miSci’s board of trustees. Sudduth received his BS in Chemistry, MA and PhD in History of Science from the University of Oklahoma. In addition to serving as a grant reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Science Foundation and NASA, Mac has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma and Duke University and president of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. He has a long history of involvement in all communities in which he has worked, most recently serving on the Decatur Book Festival, Leadership DeKalb, Voter Registration Drive, and the Dallas Opera Guild. About miSci Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci’s Archives houses an 1878 Edison tinfoil, the second oldest documented Edison tinfoil recording, the oldest playable American voice. miSci offers Science Zone, with weekly hands-on activities and challenges; Saturday Science Zone activities are sponsored by National Grid. miSci also offers weekly Science Discovery Demos and Hidden Power Demos, developed by the Franklin Institute and the Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center supported by a National Science Foundation grant. # ZOOM Into Science @ miSci November 3: Activity Zones, Science Demos and Planetarium Shows
For Immediate Release ZOOM Into Science at miSci November 3: miSci (museum of innovation and science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) presents ZOOM Into Science from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 3. Visitors will enjoy a fun-filled day of hands-on science activities and demonstration stations. There will also be special Planetarium Shows offered every half hour, and Seeing, a new exhibition about visual perception from San Francisco’s Exploratorium will be open. “This electrifying day of hands-on science encourages young people to want to learn more about science and technology and inspires them to become the professionals who use science and technology to solve problems,” notes miSci Education Specialist Elizabeth Hoffman. All science stations and activity zones will be staffed with miSci educators, area scientists and volunteers to provide instruction, to answer questions, and to have fun with science. During ZOOM Into Science, visitors can also explore miSci’s exhibits: Fueling the Future, Inside Out: MRI & You and the new Seeing exhibition from the Exploratorium in San Francisco. miSci presents ZOOM Into Science in partnership with CMOST and WMHT. Special thanks to GE, CDPHP, Pitney Bowes, SI Group, SEFCU, Cornerstone Telephone with additional support from WB Mason. ZOOM Into Science is free with admission; add $2.50 for planetarium show. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. ZOOM Into Science will be open for members only from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 3. For more information, call 518-382-7890 or visit www.miSci.org. # miSci (formerly Schenectady Museum), Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, NY 12308 miSci opens “Seeing,” A New Exhibition on Visual Perception from San Francisco’s Exploratorium
For immediate release miSci opens “Seeing,” A New Exhibition on Visual Perception from San Francisco’s Exploratorium Seeing is the first major new exhibition at miSci since the institution announced its new name, logo, vision and mission in August. The exhibition and its interactive exhibits will bring a new level of excitement about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to visitors and to the region. “The opening of Seeing helps position miSci as the regional leader in STEM education and experiences. STEM is increasingly important in preparing our children to be successful students and to become valuable contributors in the workforce,” said Center for Economic Growth (CEG) President F. Michael Tucker. miSci Board of Trustees President Brad Lewis noted “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Neil and Jane Golub and National Grid in fully paying for the cost of Seeing at miSci. Having this world-class exhibition from the Exploratorium in Schenectady is an important new resource for the region.” “The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation congratulates miSci on the opening of Seeing. The DSIC is pleased to have a regional science and technology museum as part of the revitalized and reinvigorated downtown Schenectady scene,” said DSIC Executive Director Jim Salengo. About Seeing Shocking proof that we don’t all see the same thing when looking at the same scene, and that we can’t always believe what we do see, will be revealed when miSci unveils 30 interactive exhibits in a new exhibition on seeing, appropriately called Seeing from October 6, 2012 – June 2, 2013. Imagine watching a video of an actual street scene as it slowly transforms into a totally different scene, yet you’re not able to identify what has changed. At the exhibit Change Blindness, you probably won’t even notice, for example, a black sedan turn into a blue minivan right before your eyes. At these exhibits, learn why seeing may be believing for each of us, even though we can’t always believe what we see. Grapple with the contradiction of being able to see and not see at the same time, as in Spinning Eraser, where objects right in front of you seem to disappear. This phenomenon, which has fascinated Nobel scientists, is one of several exhibits that represent some of the latest in vision and visual perception research. The illuminating insights into the complex process of interpreting our world through our eyes, our brains and our own subjectivity are presented in Seeing – an exhibition that seems to question our notion of objective reality and provides insight to how the eye and brain function together and determines what we see – or think we see. Starting with the eye itself, this exhibition asks you to consider that the images formed by light on the backs of our eyes are flat, upside-down, distorted, full of holes, out of focus and obscured by dark networks of blood vessels. It’s amazing that we see at all! Such exhibits as Corpuscles of the Eye deal with the anatomical and physiological features of the light-sensing eye. At Corpuscles see your own retina in front of you -- maybe for the first time in your life -- and see the red blood cells nourishing your eye. At Pupil notice how your own pupil becomes larger and smaller as the iris dilates and contracts with the intensity of the light. Yet, countless examples remind us how the eye and brain together perform other amazing feats. At Hoop Nightmares, learn about the flexibility of the eye. Wear prism glasses as you try to play a game of table top basketball. Test your accuracy before, while using, and after wearing the glasses. Experience a shocking change in your eye/brain connection as you try to play this game. The exhibits in Seeing originated at the Exploratorium, San Francisco, the prototype for hands-on science museums around the world. Seeing at miSci is presented through the generosity of Neil and Jane Golub and National Grid. In addition to these interactive exhibits, there will also be artifacts on display from miSci’s permanent collection. To complement the new exhibition, miSci is showcasing items that help people see in different ways: lighting, including Edison light bulbs from the 1880s; television with experimental televisions from the 1920s and 1930s; X-ray equipment, featuring 100-year-old experimental X-ray tubes from William Coolidge; cameras, from an 1890s Charles Steinmetz camera to a 1930s Polaroid camera to an early Apple digital camera; and eyeglasses, including a 1900s advertisement for the Bickelman Jewelry Store in Schenectady and a pair of sunglasses from a 1880s North Pole expedition that were found during the Perry 1905 expedition. Opening Weekend Activities 12:30 pm: Science Discovery Demo: Electricity 1:00 pm: Wonderful Sky Planetarium Show 1 – 2:30 pm: Science Zone Activity: Pinhole Magnifier 2:00 pm: More than Meets the Eye Planetarium Show 2:30-3:30 pm: Hidden Power Demo 3:00 pm: Seasonal Sky Tour Planetarium Show Shows at the Suits-Bueche Planetarium are powered by the GOTO Chronos Star Projector, a state-of-the-art star machine and teaching tool that lets visitors see 8,500 stars on the Planetarium dome, close to the actual number of visible stars in the night sky. Planetarium seating is limited. miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. General admission is: Children (3-12) $6.50; Seniors (65+) $8; Adults $9.50. General admission plus planetarium is: Children (3-12) $11.50; Seniors (65+) $13; Adults $14.50. Saturdays in October are GE Kids in FREE Days at miSci, so children 12 and under receive free general and planetarium admission when accompanied by a paying adult, courtesy of GE. General admission includes admission to all exhibits including Seeing, demos and Science Zone activities. Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci offers Science Zone, with weekly hands-on activities and challenges. miSci also offers weekly Science Discovery Demos and Hidden Power Demos, developed by the Franklin Institute and the Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center supported by a National Science Foundation grant. # miSci Opens New Erie Canal Audio Tour
For immediate release
miSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science) Announces New Erie Canal Audio Tour Grand Opening August 17 miSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science, formerly the Schenectady Museum) announces the grand opening of a new Erie Canal Audio Tour, which highlights the innovative technology that made the canal possible and how this technology impacted the lives of Schenectady residents. Funded by a grant from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, the 1.2-mile tour along Erie Boulevard in downtown Schenectady explores the Erie Canal through 14 mobile audio stops accessible by cell phone and QR codes. The Tour is hosted by Pittsford, NY-based OnCell, which offers a state-of-the-art technology platform providing location-specific interpretation to your visitors. "From one of the first radio stations in the United States, WGY, to a mobile tour of today, OnCell is thrilled to help share the rich history of Schenectady through mobile technology," said Thomas Dunne, OnCell President and CEO.
The first Tour stop is titled Opening the Erie Canal and examines the DeWitt Clinton’s inaugural journey along the canal in 1825 as well as the reaction to the new mode of transportation by communities along the canal. Other stops include Westinghouse, which highlights George Westinghouse, Jr.’s invention of the air brake while living along the canal, and Winter Along the Canal, which looks at the economic impact of a frozen canal on families who relied on the canal for their livelihood. Tour stops are labeled by window decals at current businesses on Erie Boulevard and State Street occupying spots with historic significance to the development and impact of the Erie Canal. miSci officials opted to collaborate with local businesses as hosts for the window decals because they did not want the current construction project along Erie Boulevard to delay the opening of the Erie Canal Audio Tour. “miSci is proud to partner with and expresses sincere appreciation to the businesses hosting Erie Canal Audio Tour stops,” said miSci board president Brad Lewis. In addition to partnering with area businesses to host Tour Stops, miSci also partnered with Union College museum studies students to develop the tour content, and invited area residents with a connection to Schenectady or the Erie Canal to read the recorded audio content for the Tour stops. Tour readers include Philip Morris, Proctors CEO and Laura Schweitzer, PhD, Union Graduate College president. The first Tour stop, Opening the Erie Canal, is located at Key Bank, 315 State Street. Other stop locations are: 2 - Living Along the Canal: Isopo’s Downtown Pizza, 176 Erie Boulevard; 3 – Port Schenectady: Wolberg Electric, 152 Erie Boulevard; 4 – Westinghouse: Lyle’s Hoagies II, 140 Erie Boulevard; 5 – The Canal to the West: 1st National Bank of Scotia, 120 Erie Boulevard; 6 – General Electric: Erie Crossing, 112 Erie Boulevard; 7 – Original Route of the Canal: EOS Technologies, 139 Erie Boulevard; 8 – Nicholaus Restaurant: Bangkok Bistro, 268 State Street; 9 – Winter Along the Canal: The Photo-Lab, Inc., 273 State Street; 10 – Life on the Canal: Wedgeway Barber Shop, 277 State Street (entrance on Erie Boulevard); 11 – Charles Steinmetz: The Grog Shoppe, 277 State Street (entrance on Erie Boulevard); 12 – Rail Bridge: Stewart’s, 1033 Erie Boulevard; 13 – The Canal to the East: Morrette’s King Steak House, 1126 Erie Boulevard; 14 – American Locomotive Company (ALCO): Amtrak, Schenectady Rail Station, 322 Erie Boulevard. Erie Canal Audio Tour brochures are available at miSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science, formerly the Schenectady Museum), 15 Nott Terrace Heights and Proctors, 432 State Street in Schenectady. The Tour is free but normal rate plan charges from your phone carrier will apply. Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. miSci also offers weekly Science Discovery Demos and Hidden Power Demos, developed by the Franklin Institute and the Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center supported by a National Science Foundation grant. #
Museum Announces New Name, Logo, Vision and Mission, Latest Step in Planned Transformation to Regional Science Center
For immediate release
Schenectady Museum Announces New Name, Logo, Vision and Mission, Latest Step in Planned Transformation to Regional Science Center Taking another step forward in its planned transformation into a regional science center, the Schenectady Museum has become the Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci, pronounced “my – sigh”). miSci Board of Trustees members Trudy Lehner and Tobi Saulnier announced the change in name and unveiled miSci’s new logo today. In addition to announcing the new name, Lehner, vice chair of miSci’s board of trustees also announced the organization’s new vision and mission. Making these changes were goals of the museum’s strategic plan. For the past six months, the museum’s marketing committee has been engaged in a process targeting each of these changes. This change process included gathering input from museum visitors, the community at large and through focus groups and surveys of regional community leaders. “Our new vision is ‘a scientifically literate community sparking innovation’ and our new mission is to ‘celebrate, explore and inspire science and technology, past, present and future.’ Our new name better reflects this new vision and mission,” said Lehner, who also chairs miSci’s marketing committee. Last month, miSci announced an innovative partnership with the San Francisco-based Exploratorium to bring interactive science and technology exhibits to the Capital Region. The first of these exhibits, “Seeing” will open on October 6 and will run through June 2, 2013. Through the partnership program, the museum will receive a different group of hands-on, exploratory-rich exhibits each year for five years, as well as access to the Exploratorium resources to advance each partner’s work in specific areas such as education, inquiry, science engagement, and exhibit development. Also last month, miSci officials announced a collaboration with the Challenger Learning Center, a robust educational model emphasizing educational content, cooperative learning, problem-solving, responsible decision-making and hands-on experience with a two-month classroom study program and culminating in a simulated space flight at the center. The Challenger Learning Center is scheduled to open in early 2013. “With these two exciting new initiatives, and the important role that science, technology, engineering and math must play in the education of our area’s students, the Board decided the time was right to move forward with this change in identity,” said Lehner. miSci reflects science at the personal level and conveys accessibility to all people of all ages who are trying to understand how technology and innovation affect them. Further, miSci is a reflection of the community, in this case a diverse community that has had, and is currently actively taking, a leadership role in the technological revolution. “The new logo symbolizes this organization’s transformation to an increasingly interactive science center. The new logo evokes orbits at the atomic level and the cosmic level, encompassing the range of science visitors can experience at miSci from nanoscale to galactic,” said Saulnier, miSci trustee and marketing committee member. “The Chamber of Schenectady County applauds the Museum of Innovation and Science. The Chamber is pleased to have a regional science and technology museum as part of the revitalized and reinvigorated downtown Schenectady scene,” said Charles Steiner, president of the Chamber of Schenectady County. Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. miSci also offers weekly Science Discovery Demos and Hidden Power Demos, developed by the Franklin Institute and the Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center supported by a National Science Foundation grant. # miSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science), formerly the Schenectady Museum
Schenectady Museum to Transform into Regional Science Center with Addition of New Internationally Known Exhibition and Educational Partnerships
July 16, 2012
The Schenectady Museum is being transformed into a regional science and education center with the addition of the region’s only Challenger Learning Center and an agreement with the internationally renowned San Francisco-based Exploratorium Museum to provide five years of interactive science exhibits. In addition, a partnership with Rensselaer’s School of Architecture has been formed to create a new entrance that will aggrandize its presence on the community landscape. The new Science Center is projected to bring tens of thousands of school children and visitors into an interactive realm in the region each year. “This is a huge moment not just for the museum but also for the Capital Region. The new Science Center will serve as a hub for science and technology education in the community and will be an important attraction for visitors to Schenectady and the region,” said Brad Lewis, president of the center’s board of trustees. “The leadership and hard work of many people – but most importantly, Neil and Jane Golub – have brought us to the point of this re-launch.” Based on the space shuttle and NASA space exploration program, the Challenger Learning Center (CLC) will enable students to experience a space-themed science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program for the first time in this region. The program will include a two-month-long classroom study program that will help students apply and enhance their decision-making skills, solve problems and communicate. The culmination of the students’ classroom work is a simulated space flight to launch a space probe into a comet’s tail or a flight to the moon or Mars. The “mission” will take place at the CLC where, on NASA-type equipment, the students will work as a team, to utilize navigation, life support, science, computer technology and math skills to solve problems. One team of students will operate the “mission control room,” while another will operate the “space vehicle.” During the mission they will be called upon to utilize the science, math and other skills that will be taught in the classroom. “The overall goal of the CLC is to create an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies for students in grades five to eight and encourage them to pursue high school STEM studies. Bringing this program to the new Science Center will expose thousands of students from across the region to STEM studies each year,” said Dr. Heidi DeBlock, board president of the Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region. “Getting students interested and engaged in STEM is critical for our region so that we can continue to supply regional employers with a locally educated and highly motivated workforce,” said Charles Dedrick, district superintendent of the Capital Region BOCES. “We heartily endorse this effort and cannot wait to launch the first mission.” Preparation for construction of the CLC has already begun and the center is expected to be open at the end of this year and ready for student missions at the beginning of 2013. In addition to the CLC, the Science Center has entered into a partnership with ExNet, providers of exhibits for the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco. The Exploratorium is the global leader in informal learning, designed to ignite curiosity and inspire creativity in people of all ages. The world-renowned science museum creates original, interactive exhibits on display at more than 1,000 science centers, museums and public spaces around the world. Dedicated to education reform in and out of the classroom, the Exploratorium is a premier professional development center for educators and a creator of award-winning educational resources. Since 1969, the Exploratorium has influenced generations of entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, teachers, students, children, museum professionals and everyday doers, reaching nearly 200 million people from around the globe annually. Each year, ExNet will bring 3,500 square feet of new interactive world-class science exhibitions to the Science Center and provide training and student curricula. “Seeing,” the first exhibition, will be installed and opened to the public by October 6 of this year. “We are excited to bring this world-class opportunity for learning and exploration to New York’s Capital Region. The region’s history, rich in the tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation, coupled with its future as a global leader in technology and high-tech manufacturing, make it a perfect place to provide this kind of hands-on learning opportunity, designed to stimulate young minds and get them to look differently at the world around them,” said Sam Dean, director – consultancy of the Exploratorium. Planning for construction and installation of the two major new attractions is well underway. At the same time, Rensselaer’s School of Architecture has been engaged to create a modern new look for the Science Center with a redesigned entrance facing Nott Terrace. The dramatic new approach will help overlook the city center and help celebrate the renaissance of the City of Schenectady. Rensselaer recently completed a similar project for the Hyde Museum in Glens Falls. “The new regional Science Center should fit into the community, but also have a different look and feel that reflect its expansion and importance in the community. We are excited about getting involved and becoming a partner in this important initiative,” said Evan Douglis, dean of Rensselaer’s School of Architecture. This entire project – including raising all of the funds for both the CLC and ExNet installations – was completed in just six months through the leadership and generosity of Neil and Jane Golub. Support has come in from civic and business leaders as well as corporations and charitable foundations from throughout the Capital Region, including a substantial grant from National Grid. “We are exceptionally grateful to Neil and Jane Golub for their commitment to this project and our community. They have done much more than contribute to this project. Their initiative, vision and hard work, in addition to their leadership gift, put these projects in motion and got them to fruition,” said Lewis. Support for the CLC has come from the New York State Senate through the efforts of Senator Hugh Farley. “This is an important day for Schenectady and the Capital Region and for thousands of students and children who will visit this center in the coming years to open their eyes and focus their minds on learning about science, technology, engineering and math,” said Senator Farley. “Giving them the education they deserve and providing future employers with the highly skilled and motivated workforce they want is critical to the long-term future of our communities.” “Reinvigorating the museum and transitioning it into a regional science center and hub for STEM education, as well as making it an attraction for visitors to our community, presents an incredible opportunity for the future of the Capital Region,” said Neil Golub. “Jane and I are thrilled that this vision has taken hold so quickly and will materialize before the end of the year.” # Museum Offering Robotics Workshop for Children August 11
For Immediate Release
Schenectady Museum Offering Robotics Workshop for Children August 11 The Schenectady Museum is offering a Robotics Workshop for children Saturday, August 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. presented by science author Kathy Ceceri. Robotics is the perfect way to show kids how science, technology, engineering and math apply to real life. Children already play with robotics technology in your toys and games, but did they know that robotics is also used in medicine, art, music, and even fashion design? They will learn how using household objects and crafts supplies can help you create their very own robot at this workshop. Kathy Ceceri is the author of Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future, and a senior editor of Wired.com’s GeekMom blog. After the Robotics Workshop, there will be a special FETCH! Lab activity using ideas from Ceceri’s Robotics book from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. In addition, there will be a book signing with Ceceri from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Space is limited. Register at on-line SchenectadyMuseum.org / events or call 382-7890 x 224. Age 7 & up. $12 Members; $15 non-Members. The Schenectady Museum is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. Please visit www.SchenectadyMuseum.org or call 382-7890 for more information. # NASAs Driven to Explore Exhibit @ Museum July 12 & 13 ONLY!
For Immediate Release
NASA’s Driven to Explore Exhibit at Schenectady Museum July 12 & 13 Features Rare Chance to Touch a 4 Billion-Year-Old Moon Rock Brought Back Aboard Apollo 17 and Much More! Capital Region residents will have the out-of-this-world opportunity to touch a moon rock brought back aboard Apollo 17 when NASA’s Driven to Explore mobile exhibit makes a stop at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 12 and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 13. The Schenectady Museum presents NASA's Driven to Explore exhibit in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST). The mobile, multi-media exhibit immerses visitors in the story of NASA. Visitors will learn why we explore, discover the challenges of human space exploration, and see how NASA provides critical technological advances to improve life on Earth. The exhibit includes imagery and audio and visual technology to connect visitors with the space program, highlighting advanced human research that will ensure safe and sustainable future missions, and next-generation vehicles and surface systems destined for use exploring beyond low Earth orbit. As part of this unique exploration experience, visitors have a rare chance to touch a 4 billion-year-old moon rock brought back aboard Apollo 17, the last manned mission to the moon in 1972. The moon rock is one of only eight lunar samples in the world made available for the public to touch. “The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is proud to partner with NASA on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) initiatives like the Driven to Explore exhibit,” said Schenectady Museum Curator of Collections & Exhibitions Chris Hunter. “We are honored NASA chose the Museum as host site for this traveling exhibit. Being able to actually touch a 4 billion-year-old moon rock is an amazing way to excite people about astronomy and complements our existing programs and exhibits.” In conjunction with the exhibit, the Museum is offering special Planetarium Shows powered by the GOTO Chronos Star Projector, a state-of-the-art star machine that lets visitors see 8,500 stars on the Planetarium dome, close to the actual number of visible stars in the night sky. During these live shows Planetarium Educators will highlight the astronomical phenomena you can see in the current night sky. In addition to seeing a special Planetarium show, visitors can also spark their imaginations with science activity stations throughout the Museum provided by Schenectady Museum and CMOST Educators, and other collaborators. And, thanks to a loan from CMOST, visitors will be able to see a prototype of the moon boot used by NASA for the historic Apollo 11 mission, which landed man on the moon for the first time in July of 1969. Moon boots developed for NASA missions featured silicone rubber soles made possible by Momentive, then known as GE Silicones. “CMOST is thrilled to participate in the NASA Driven to Explore exhibit by helping to provide special science programming and by loaning the Moon boot prototype designed for NASA for the historic Apollo 11 mission from our collection,” said CMOST Interim CEO Deborah Onslow. “The Moon boot prototype was donated to CMOST by Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., then known as GE Silicones, which is a heritage company of Momentive Performance Materials, demonstrating our local connection to the Moon landing. The NASA Driven to Explore exhibit represents a great chance for residents of the Capital Region and beyond to discover and explore science.” In addition to the Mars Rover prototype and Hubble Space Telescope photographs that are currently on display in the Museum’s galleries, there will also be special space artifacts on display for this event only. Visitors can view a display of space-related photographs on loan from Momentive as well as the Schenectady Meteorite. Visitors will be able to extend their stay at the Museum with a variety of food available for purchase on site. Space ice cream will be available in the Museum shop as well as food from the following Capital Region vendors: Annabelle’s Café, Bette's Cupcakes, Fast Trax ice cream & kettle corn, Manhattan Exchange and Maria’s Peruvian Delights. The Museum parking lot will be limited to handicapped parking only on event days. Drivers are welcome to drop off passengers at the Museum parking lot entrance. Parking is available at the following locations: Zion Lutheran Church (153 Nott Terrace); Days Inn (167 Nott Terrace); Holiday Inn (100 Nott Terrace); Union Graduate College (lot entrance off Liberty across from Denny’s); St. John the Evangelist Church (lot behind church on Eastern Parkway, just east of Nott Terrace); and College Park Hall on the Union College campus (450 Nott Street, just east of Erie Boulevard) with the Union College Trolley running from this lot only to the Museum and back. NASA’s Driven to Explore exhibit at the Schenectady Museum is open Thursday, July 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 13 with last admission tickets sold one hour before closing. Planetarium shows will be offered 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 12 and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 13. Admission to the exhibit is $5 for children; $6.25 for seniors, and $7.50 for adults; add $2 for Planetarium Show. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit www.SchenectadyMuseum.org. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH! # Schenectady Museum New Participant in Blue Star Museums Program
For Immediate Release
Schenectady Museum New Participant in Blue Star Museums Program Schenectady Museum is one of more than 1,500 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense For the first time, the Schenectady Museum will participate in the Blue Star Museums program, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,500 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2012. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. “The Schenectady Museum is pleased to participate in the Blue Star Museums program this summer. It is a wonderful opportunity to provide some well-deserved recognition for our country’s service members,” said Schenectady Museum Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Chris Hunter. “Through Blue Star Museums, the arts community is extending a special invitation to military families to enjoy over 1,500 museums this summer,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. “This is both an opportunity to thank military families for their service and sacrifice, as well as a chance to create connections between museums and these families that will continue throughout the year. Especially for families with limited time together, those on a limited budget, and ones that have to relocate frequently, Blue Star Museums offers an opportunity to enjoy one another and become more fully integrated into a community.” “As we enter the third consecutive year of the Blue Star Museums program, we are happy provide an opportunity for our nation’s service members and their families to connect with our national treasures,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. “Through this distinctive collaboration between Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts and more than 1,500 museums across the United States, military families have an unparalleled opportunity to visit some of the country’s finest museums for free.” This year, more than 1,500 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 300 new museums this year. About Blue Star Museums Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,500 museums across America. The program runs from Memorial Day, May 28, 2012 through Labor Day, September 3, 2012. The free admission program is available to active-duty military and their family members (military ID holder and up to five family members). Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find out which museums are participating, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The site includes a list of participating museums and a map to help with visit planning. This is the latest NEA program to bring quality arts programs to the military, veterans, and their families. Other NEA programs for the military have included Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience; Great American Voices Military Base Tour; and Shakespeare in American Communities Military Base Tour. About the Schenectady Museum
About Blue Star Families
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Museum Receives $1250 Schenectady County Initiative Program Grant
For Immediate Release
Schenectady Museum Receives $1,250 Grant from Schenectady County Initiative Program for Audio Tape Digitization Project The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium has received a grant of $1,250 from the Schenectady County Initiative Program to help digitize significant reel-to-reel audio tapes in its collection and to help create a public program entitled Found Sound in the Schenectady Museum Archives, which will include the premiere of the newly preserved and digitized audio tapes. The Museum’s collection of reel-to-reel audio tapes highlights the history of local radio broadcasting and the history of important Schenectady inventors. These tapes contain original recordings of 3 Nobel Prize winners: Dr. Langmuir (Chemistry, 1932), William Shockley (Physics, 1956), and Dr. Ivan Giaever (Physics, 1973). The tapes also contain recordings internationally famed scientists and engineers including: Dr. Albert Hull, Dr. Guy Suits, Dr. Arthur Bueche, Dr. Katharine Blodgett, Dr. Charles Steinmetz and Dr. William Coolidge. The reel-to-reel audio tapes also include the history of radio station WTRY, and several WGY programs, including the Chase and Sanborn 100th Anniversary Show and the History of WGY. These tapes are a rich source of information for researchers and the general public. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. # Transit of Venus Viewing Event at Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium June 5
For Immediate Release May 16, 2012 Contact: Susan Whitaker 518-382-7890 x 297
Transit of Venus Viewing Event at Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium June 5
Observers in the Capital District will be able to view a rare astronomical phenomenon at the Transit of Venus Viewing Event Tuesday, June 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium. On that date, the Planet Venus will make a transit across the disk of the Sun. The last such event occurred in 2004 and won’t occur again until 2117. There will be outdoor viewing (weather permitting) and expert astronomical commentary from Suits-Bueche Planetarium Staff, Albany Area Amateur Astronomers, Dudley Observatory, and Henry Hudson Planetarium. And, visitors can also explore the phenomenon with live video feed indoors and special astronomy activities. Admission to the Transit of Venus Viewing Event is free with Museum admission. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit www.SchenectadyMuseum.org. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. # From Wireless Earbuds to a Pool Lift for Dogs to a Backpack Umbrella, Invention Convention 2012 at Schenectady Museum Showcases Top 100 Student Inventions from Over 1400 Submissions
For Immediate Release
From Wireless Earbuds to a Pool Lift for Dogs to a Backpack Umbrella, Invention Convention 2012 at Schenectady Museum Showcases Top 100 Student Inventions from Over 1400 Submissions From Wireless Earbuds to a Pool Lift for Dogs to a Backpack Umbrella, 100 inventions created by elementary and middle school students chosen from over 1,400 submissions representing 20 schools around the Capital Region will be on display at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium as part of Invention Convention 2012 from May 3 through May 24, 2012. Invention Convention is an annual student invention competition open to Capital District students from grades K through eight from both public and private schools from as far south as New York City and as far north as Glens Falls. Students are invited to submit an original idea for an invention that solves a problem. The top 100 entries are then invited to create a model of their concept. These inventions are on display at the Museum through May 24, 2012. Students were invited to submit a proposal of an original idea for a device or a method for solving a problem that can occur in the environment, in technology or industry, in the classroom, home or even during leisure time activities. This year 1,428 entries were received, a dramatic increase from the 167 received in 1998, according to Museum Education Specialist Elizabeth Hoffman. A volunteer team of scientists, patent lawyers and other professionals from the community evaluated the submissions and chose the top 100 entries. “The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is proud to collaborate with area schools and our sponsors, scientists and teachers to offer Invention Convention, which stimulates creativity and imagination and promotes the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Teaching students how to invent and apply problem-solving skills helps nurture the next generation of inventors and scientists,” notes Hoffman. The Regional Awards Ceremony will be Thursday, May 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium to celebrate the 100 student inventor semi-finalists and to announce 25 finalists. General Electric (GE) Global Research Principal Scientist Matt Nielsen will deliver a special presentation entitled The Future of Energy and the Need for Your Inventions at the ceremony. Nielsen received his PhD in Physics in 1998 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. During his dissertation research, Matt worked with GE Global Research to help develop electronics materials for capacitors and resistors. After graduation, he joined the GE Global Research Center where worked on a variety of efforts from electronic packaging to wide band gap semiconductors. Nielsen later led a large research program developing technology in the area of photonics, more specifically ultra-fast optical communications and three-dimensional optical storage materials and systems.In 2008, Matt was named Principal Scientist in the Electronics and Energy Conversion organization. His current areas of research all focus around electrification. Recently, he has been leading a program investigating the impact of electric vehicles on the existing grid system. His team has multiple external partners such as Nissan and FedEx. The following are Invention Convention 2012 sponsors: Innovator – GE; Inventor – MVP Healthcare; Problem Solvers – M & T Bank, Neil • Jane William • Estelle Golub Family Foundation, Inc., Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, Time Warner Cable; Tinkerers – 1st Playable Productions, LLC, Berkshire Bank, CSArch Architecture | Engineering | Construction Management, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C., Hoffman Warnick LLC, New York State United Teachers, Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP, and Yvonne Matthews – Purdy Realty LLC. About Invention Convention
In 1997, two GE patent attorneys approached the Alliance about reinstating Invention Convention in the Capital Region. The Alliance opted not to be involved, but directed them to the Schenectady Museum. The Museum took on the program, given the strong connection with its mission and collections. A planning committee with members from GE and the Museum was formed, along with representatives from Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, and later Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. The team has been dedicated to engaging students in the innovation process for more than 10 years. Participation has increased steadily from 167 in 1998 to 1,428 this year. In 2003, three separate divisions were established for separate judging by grade level: Edison (K-2), Steinmetz (3-5) and Coolidge (6-8). The number of semifinalists in each division is proportionate to the total number of entries per division. About the Schenectady Museum
# Historically Significant Mynderse Collection Transferred to Schenectady County Historical Society as Museum Begins Reduction of Clothing and Textile Collection
For Immediate Release May 2, 2012 Contact: Chris Hunter 518-382-7890 x 241
Historically Significant Mynderse Collection Transferred to Schenectady County Historical Society as Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium Begins Reduction of Clothing and Textile Collection Augmenting the transfer of the 1,000-item collection of Helen Mynderse to the Schenectady County Historical Society in 2011, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is offering to transfer additional items with a documented Schenectady history from its clothing and textile collection to the Schenectady County Historical Society, as part of a comprehensive collections review. The Historical Society is currently featuring the Mynderse Collection in an exhibit at its Schenectady History Museum, located at 32 Washington Ave in the Stockade, where it is engaging visitors in the story of what life was like when Helen Mynderse was alive. New items being offered to the Historical Society from the Schenectady Museum include: large collections of textiles relating to the Van Eps family of Glenville and Yates family of Schenectady; the wedding dress of Hannah Westinghouse; and dresses from Lueva Vrooman, who lived in Niskayuna’s Stanford Mansion. “The Mynderse Collection has proven to be a valuable asset to the Historical Society and has expanded our capability to present the history of Colonial Schenectady,” said Ryan Mahoney, Curator at the Historical Society. “We are currently reviewing what the Museum is offering to us and are excited to see the possibility of new collections relating to some of Schenectady’s early families.” As part of a continuous process of exercising responsible stewardship, the Museum conducts reviews of all of its collections and just recently completed a comprehensive review of the nearly 6,000 pieces in the clothing and textile collection. The entirety of the clothing and textile collection is no longer served by the Museum’s science-focused mission adopted in 2004 – a mission which reflects the institution’s strong science and technology collections and the materials in the Museum’s Archives documenting the history of science and technology in America, and the increasing need for informal STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education to prepare children for jobs in an ever-increasingly technological society. Also, The Museum’s collections have expanded gradually over the years and the Museum needs the valuable state-of-the-art storage space (currently occupied by the clothing and textile collection) for items which are more closely aligned with its mission. As no other institution in the area has the capacity to accept the collection as a whole, the Museum is working with the Schenectady County Historical Society and other institutions in the region to ensure that many pieces remain in the public trust. Specifically, items with a documented connection to New York State are being offered to other museums in the region. Highlights of these items include an 1831 sampler from the New York Orphan’s Asylum, baby dresses attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, a cane owned by Martin Van Buren, and an apron attributed to Martha Washington. There are a number of items with an Albany connection, including the 1795 wedding dress of Sally Acker New. While the Museum is offering items with documented Schenectady history to the Schenectady County Historical Society and items with documented connection to New York State to other institutions in the region, the Schenectady Museum is retaining approximately 500 items relating to science and technology, such as work clothing from GE and ALCO, the suit Irving Langmuir wore when he accepted the 1932 Nobel prize for Chemistry, hats worn by GE pioneers Edwin W. Rice, Jr. and Ernst Alexanderson, and a clothing collection from the Wright family, founders of SI Group. Nursing and military uniforms are also being retained. “Reducing the clothing and textile collection after a careful, comprehensive review is a responsible outcome that allows the Schenectady Museum to retain items that directly support our science-focused mission and to collaborate on the transfer of other items with area institutions, where they can come out of storage and be used for education and exhibition,” said Schenectady Museum Curator of Collections & Exhibitions Chris Hunter.” Many of the items from collection are unsuitable for retention by the Museum or transfer to the Historical Society or other regional institutions because their historical value was limited by inability to determine who wore items or how they were used. Furthermore, much of the collection represented high fashion, so its application to the Museum’s mission was limited. And, the collection was not representative of the textile innovations so important to the development of local cities such as Amsterdam, Troy, and Cohoes. For those items not being retained or going to other institutions, the Museum has engaged a professional auction house specializing in clothing and accessories. Any proceeds from items being auctioned will be placed in a restricted collections fund (not used for general operating expenses) and used to support the conservation and preservation of the existing collection and the acquisition of new mission-related items. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. # GE Global Research and Schenectady Museum Celebrate GE’s 120th Birthday with Display at Niskayuna Town Hall
For Immediate Release
Residents Can See Steinmetz’ Desk, Langmuir’s Slide Rule, and Other Artifacts as GE Global Research and Schenectady Museum Celebrate GE’s 120th Birthday with Display at Niskayuna Town Hall Niskayuna residents can now see a bit of history when they visit the Niskayuna Town Hall: Charles Steinmetz’ desk, Irving Langmuir’s slide rule, and a display of other artifacts commemorating General Electric’s 120th birthday, from the collection of the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium. On April 15, 1892, the Edison General Electric Company and Thomson-Houston merged to form General Electric (GE). 120 years later, GE continues to lead the world in new technology innovations in health care, lighting, large appliances, and energy generation. The selection of artifacts on display is from the collection of the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which includes more than 15,000 artifacts and a research archive that features 1.6 million photograph, 1,500 motion picture films, and 3 million paper documents. Charles Steinmetz (1865 – 1923) was GE’s chief engineer. He recommended the creation of the GE Research Laboratory in 1900 to continue the study of electric lighting. Currently on display at the Niskayuna Town Hall are: Steinmetz’ portable desk which breaks into six pieces for travel and can be assembled in a matter of minutes; test tubes, beakers, and a Bunsen burner used by Steinmetz at his home laboratory; and a copy of a September 1924 letter from GE inventor Elihu Thomson to Steinmetz in which Thomson agrees with Steinmetz about the creation of the Research Library. Irving Langmuir (1881 – 1957) was a researcher at the GE Research Laboratory in Schenectady. Langmuir’s studies of vacuums in tubes led to pioneering research in electronics and atomics and the development of commercial radio. His work gained international recognition and resulted in a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1932, the first industrial scientist to receive such an honor. Currently on display at the Niskayuna Town Hall are: Langmuir’s slide rule which was used to perform multiplication, division, and other complex mathematical functions before the invention of the electronic calculator; and a 1920 incandescent lamp using coiled tungsten filament, an example of Langmuir’s ideas to fill a light bulb with nitrogen and coil the tungsten filaments which increased the efficiency of the light bulb by 100 percent. See www.SchenectadyMuseum.org for more information about the Museum and a link to the Museum’s YouTube page, which features digital versions of historic GE films. # Schenectady Museum Receives GO Grant
For Immediate Release
Schenectady Museum Receives GO Grant from New York State Council on the Arts for Staff Attendance at Museums in Conversation Conference The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium has received a GO Grant for $566. This funding will allow two Museum staff members to attend the New York State Museums in Conversation conference to be held later this month in Albany. The grant is administered by Museumwise and will allow the Museum staff members access to the professional development opportunities provided through this conference. The GO grants are one of a series of grants offered to help museums and historical societies strengthen and develop their institutions and work with their communities. These grants, administered by Museumwise, are designed to make it easy for organizations to access professional assistance and improve their institutions. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. # Museum Announces April Break Week Activities
For Immediate Release
Schenectady Museum Announces Extended Hours for April School Break Activities:Hands-on Activities, Hidden Power Demos & Planetarium Shows Spark your children’s interest this School Break with a visit to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium. The Museum is offering extended hours during break and will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 9 through Friday, April 13. Explore science, technology, engineering, and math through Hidden Power Demos, planetarium shows, and science activities. The Museum is offering educator-led hands-on science activities and engineering challenges daily from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Drop in for a different activity each day! The Museum is also pleased to offer educator-led Hidden Power Demos from 2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. each day during School Break. Learn all about energy, electricity generation and efficiency at this new program developed by the Franklin Institute and the Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center supported by a National Science Foundation grant. These interactive demonstrations rely on audience participation and provide a great learning opportunity for kids. In addition to science activities and Hidden Power Demos, the Museum is offering Planetarium Shows, including a new feature show, More Than Meets The Eye. There will be four shows each day during break week:
· 1 p.m. – Wonderful Sky lets you explore the sights and sounds of the day and night sky. This introductory program guides young audiences through the seasonal sky and helps them experience the wonders of the cosmos; · 2 p.m. – More Than Meets The Eye · 3 p.m. – Seasonal Sky Tour offers a live narration of the stars, constellations and planets visible in the current night sky. This 45 minute program also takes a look at current events happening in astronomy. Shows at the Suits-Bueche Planetarium are powered by the GOTO Chronos Star Projector, a state-of-the-art star machine that lets visitors see 8,500 stars on the Planetarium dome, close to the actual number of visible stars in the night sky. And, all Shows at the Schenectady Museum's Suits-Bueche Planetarium include a look at the current night sky and the latest astronomy news. Science activities and Hidden Power Demos are FREE with Museum admission; add $4 for a Planetarium Show. The Museum is open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 9 through Friday, April 13. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit SchenectadyMuseum.org. # Lights, Camera, Archives! Schenectady Museum Goes Digital and Posts Rare Archival Films on New YouTube Channel
For Immediate Release
Lights, Camera, Archives! Schenectady Museum Goes Digital and Posts Rare Archival Films on New YouTube Channel The Schenectady Museum is now presenting a collection of rare films from its General Electric film collection on a new YouTube channel: Schenectady Museum: Invention and Tech Films. The archival collection includes more than 1,500 advertising, training, and educational films from 1915-1983, some of which have not been viewed by the public in over 90 years. Films range from advertising and educational films to raw footage of equipment tests and company picnics. Many of the promotional films were originally shown in movie theatres in the days of newsreels and cartoons. While more films are being added daily, there are currently more than 50 films available, including: The “More Power to America” Train, 1960; Magic vs. Science, 1932; Charles Proteus Steinmetz: The Man Who Made Lightning, 1960s; Felix the Cat in The Kit and the Cat, ca. 1925; and General Electric Women in Science, 1954. The Museum is currently offering three playlists on the channel: Transportation – rail and aviation films promoting innovations, including electric and diesel locomotives, turbo superchargers, and jet engines; General Electric Research – films highlighting technologies and inventions created at GE Global Research; and Electric Cars – electric car films from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Schenectady Museum Curator of Collections & Exhibitions Chris Hunter is excited to use state-of-the-art technology as a vehicle for viewing this collection of rare old films, and offer the public a chance to view on demand footage that was previously only viewed by researchers, students, and archivists by appointment in the Museum’s Archives. “YouTube is ubiquitous. The Museum’s channel, Schenectady Museum: Innovation and Tech Films, will allow people around the world to gain a better understanding of the history of technology and society by viewing these films on their laptops, cellphones, or iPads,” Hunter said. Project funding was provided through grants from the Institute for Museum and Library Services and IEEE Life Members' Foundation, which allowed the Museum to purchase a 16mm high definition film transfer machine. The Schenectady Museum Archives is one of the premier collections on the history of technology and its impact on society. With over 1.6 million images that date from the 1850s to the present, the collection’s strengths are many and include photography and film, radio and television film and images, and materials relating to marketing of consumer products as well as medical, power generation and the turbine. Collections from General Electric and the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) give a vivid picture of those companies’ international impact. Audio recordings in the collection include rare radio recordings, Edison wax cylinders, and the Edison tinfoil recording from 1878. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT.
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Museum Appoints Interim Leader
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SCHENECTADY MUSEUM APPOINTS INTERIM LEADER Noted non-profit executive to ‘return’ to the region to lead organization’s efforts Schenectady, NY (Feb. 15, 2012) – The board of trustees of the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium announced today the appointment of Teri Bordenave as interim executive director of the organization. Bordenave replaces Kerry Orlyk, who served as executive director since 2007. The appointment is effective today, according to Brad Lewis, president of the museum’s board of trustees. "We are thrilled to welcome Teri back to the Capital Region," Lewis said. "Her talent, experience and unmatched ability to forge strategic partnerships are well-recognized, and we look forward to working with her to fulfill the museum’s mission and to develop the region’s premier science and technology center.” Bordenave is well-known throughout the Capital District non-profit, corporate and government sectors. Most notable is her distinguished career as president and CEO of Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region, a position she held from 1988 to 2009. Under her leadership, Girls Inc. realized unprecedented growth – from serving approximately 4,000 girls in Schenectady County alone to providing programs and services to more than 20,000 girls across seven counties in the region. Since 2009, she has focused her efforts on leading The Thalia Group LLC, a Maryland- -based executive consulting firm that serves non-profit organizations in many states across the country. Bordenave, principle with the firm, co-founded the The Thalia Group in the 1990s.
“Now, more than ever, this region needs and deserves a world-class science center, and the Schenectady Museum is well-positioned to be just that,” Bordenave said. “I'm excited about this unique opportunity to work with the dedicated staff, board, volunteers, corporate partners and many friends of the museum to help drive the organization to the next level and to secure a strong future." Neil Golub, executive chairman of the board at Price Chopper Supermarkets and long-time supporter and benefactor of the Museum, praised the decision to appoint Bordenave. “Teri is a respected professional in the region, and we are fortunate and pleased to have her in this important leadership role at the museum. We are very much looking forward to working with her.” Recognized nationally, Bordenave’s experience includes service as a board member with such organizations as national Girls Incorporated, the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, as well as the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce and Schenectady Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she was a founding member and chair of the Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council – an innovative, collaborative effort of several local chambers of commerce. Bordenave’s numerous awards include the General Electric Accolade Award for Community Leadership, the Business Review’s Nonprofit of the Year, the Women’s Fund of the Capital Region’s Trailblazer Award, the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce Women of Excellence Award, the YWCA Women of Achievement Award, the Agency Chief Executives’ Leadership Award, the Business and Professional Women’s Woman of the Year Award, and the John F. Kennedy Community Service Award. About the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in the region offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. ### Museum Announces February Break Week Activities
For Immediate Release February 13, 2012 Contact: Susan Whitaker 518-382-7890x297
Schenectady Museum Announces Extended Hours for February School Break Activities: NEW Hidden Power Demos, Planetarium Shows, Science Activities & Guest Scientists Spark your children’s interest this School Break with a visit to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium. The Museum is offering extended hours during break and will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, February 20 through Friday, February 24. Explore science, technology, engineering, and math through new Hidden Power Demos, planetarium shows, science activities, and guest scientists. The Museum is pleased to offer educator-led Hidden Power Demos from 2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. each day during School Break. Learn all about energy, electricity generation and efficiency at this new program developed by the Franklin Institute and the Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center supported by a National Science Foundation grant. These interactive demonstrations rely on audience participation and provide a great learning opportunity for kids. Visit Mars and see the stars! The Museum is also offering Planetarium Shows, including a new feature show about Mars that is narrated by Patrick Stewart of Star Trek. There will be four shows each day during break week: · 12 p.m. – The Mars Show helps you discover the Red Planet in myth, history and modern exploration. See Mars as we know it today and take a close look at its planetary features. Narrated by Patrick Stewart of Star Trek. · 1 p.m. – Wonderful Sky lets you explore the sights and sounds of the day and night sky. This introductory program guides young audiences through the seasonal sky and helps them experience the wonders of the cosmos. · 2 p.m. – The Mars Show · 3 p.m. – Seasonal Sky Tour offers a live narration of the stars, constellations and planets visible in the current night sky. This 45 minute program also takes a look at current events happening in astronomy. Shows at the Suits-Bueche Planetarium are powered by the GOTO Chronos Star Projector, a state-of-the-art star machine that lets visitors see 8,500 stars on the Planetarium dome, close to the actual number of visible stars in the night sky. And, all Shows at the Schenectady Museum's Suits-Bueche Planetarium include a look at the current night sky and the latest astronomy news. In addition to the Hidden Power Demos and Planetarium Shows, visitors can also enjoy science activities and engineering challenges daily from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Museum will welcome guest scientists on the following days: Dr. James Hedrick, Union College Electrical and Computer Engineering Lecturer on Monday, February 20 and Mr. J. Slyer (aka Mr. Sly the Science Guy), Shaker Junior High School Science Teacher, Thursday, February 23. Hidden Power Demos and science activities are FREE with Museum admission; add $4 for a Planetarium Show. The Museum is open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 20 through Friday, February 24. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit SchenectadyMuseum.org. # Museum Receives $7,658 NYSCA Grant
For Immediate Release
Schenectady Museum Receives $7,658 Grant from New York State Council on the Arts for Artifact Storage Improvement Project The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) has awarded a grant for $7,658 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium for its Artifact Storage Improvement Project, an initiative to improve the storage conditions of more than 10,000 artifacts in the Museum’s collection. Specifically the grant will allow the Museum to add additional shelves to open storage units which will permit better usage of existing space, and to take optimal advantage of shelf height, doubling shelf capacity in some cases. The grant will also allow for new and existing shelves to be lined with polyethylene foam to help reduce vibration and movement of artifacts, and cover open storage units with muslin sheets to reduce exposure to dirt, dust, and light. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. # Museum Receives $3,000 NISE Net Grant
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Schenectady Museum Receives $3,000 Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network Grant The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium has received a $3,000 Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) grant. The funds will be used to help cover the cost of integrating real-world examples of nanotechnology into the Museum’s existing exhibits through a “Nanotrail” of nanotechnology-related items and information. “This project will excite visitors with information about careers in nanotechnology, and create linkages with existing nanotechnology programming at the Museum, such as school break activities, school field trips, educational curriculum, and teacher training workshops,” Grants & Annual Fund Coordinator Susanne Dorr said. “While a permanent exhibit is devoted to nanotechnology within the Museum’s 3,500 square-foot primary long-term exhibit Power House, the goal of this project is to expand the presence of nanotechnology information and create a “Nanotrail” through Power House that highlights the impact of nanotechnology on the other technologies featured within Power House.” The Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) is a national community of researchers and informal science educators dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. The NISE Network community in the United States is led by 14 organizations, and includes hundreds of museums and universities nationwide. NISE Net was launched in 2005 with funding from the National Science Foundation, and received a five-year renewal in 2010. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Museum Announces December Break Week Activities
For Immediate Release December 12, 2011 Contact: Susan Whitaker 518-382-7890x297
Schenectady Museum Announces December School Break Activities: Hands-on Science, Planetarium Shows, Model Trains Visit the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium during December School Break for Hands-on Science Activities, Planetarium Shows, and Model Trains. The Museum will be open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27 through Friday, December 30 to accommodate area families whose children are enjoying school break. Visit the Museum during school break for educator-led drop-in science activities, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for challenges in the Museum’s FETCH! Lab, a place where kids can try activities like the ones they see on the PBS television show, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman. Explore science, technology, engineering and math with Museum educators in these fun bonus hands-on activities. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium will offer four shows each day during Break Week: · 12:00 p.m.: ‘Tis the Season · 1:00 p.m.: The Sky Above Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood · 2:00 p.m.: ‘Tis the Season · 3:00 p.m.: Seasonal Sky Tour Shows at the Suits-Bueche Planetarium are powered by the only GOTO Chronos Star Projector in the northeast. Visitors see 8,500 stars on the Planetarium dome, close to the actual number of visible stars in the night sky. All shows are educator-led and include a look at the current night sky and the latest astronomy news. The Model Trains will be running 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. See a 19 x 27-foot display of running O Gauge (Lionel) Model trains. Special thanks to the Upstate Train Associates for donating their model trains and their time. Don’t miss this holiday favorite! Hands-on Science Activities and Model Trains are FREE with Museum admission; add $4 for a Planetarium Show. The Museum is open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27 through Friday, December 30. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit SchenectadyMuseum.org. # Museum Receives $1,000 IBM Community Grant
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Schenectady Museum Receives $1,000 IBM Community Grant for Little Wonders of Science Preschool Program The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium has received a $1,000 IBM Community Grant for its Little Wonders of Science preschool program. The funds will be used to help cover the cost of books that are distributed to program participants, materials for hands-on activities, and to help publicize the program. Little Wonders of Science is a monthly preschool science and literacy program where a Museum Educator reads a story then introduces basic science concepts from the story through a fun craft. Participants receive a copy of the book and materials to continue the study of science at home. Little Wonders of Science is offered the third Thursday and Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Some of this year’s topics are: astronomy and the night sky with Fancy Nancy Sees Stars; weather with Caps, Hats, Socks and Mittens; and floating and sinking with Curious George and the Boat Show. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium, Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, NY 12308
See the Model Trains Run @ Schenectady Museum Beginning 12/10
For Immediate Release December 8, 2011 Contact: Chris Hunter 518-382-7890x241
See the Model Trains Run at the Schenectady Museum Beginning December 10 The popular model trains will be running for the first time this holiday season at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, December 10 & 11. The trains will also run from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. December 17 & 18 and during School Break Week Tuesday – Friday, December 27 – 30; 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. December 31; and 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. January 7 & 8, 14 & 15, and 21 & 22. Each year, visitors from across the region and from neighboring states visit the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium to see the model trains run. This event has become a holiday favorite for visitors of all ages. Volunteers from the Upstate Train Associates construct an elaborate 19 by 27 foot display of running O Gauge model trains in front of the main entrance to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium. These are the trains most people know and love as the Lionel trains. In addition to several model trains that run continuously, visitors can see a host of other items that have been added to the display over the years. These include an amusement park with Santa riding a roller coaster and a pair of children ice skating on a pond, a farm scene with horses and cows, and much more. The trains that load and unload their cargo of barrels, lumber, and other objects always delight visitors. And, there’s even a small working Thomas the Trains display, for those children who know and love the Thomas the Train character. “This display is one of the most popular events we host at the Museum each year,” explains Schenectady Museum Curator of Collections & Exhibitions Chris Hunter. “It’s wonderful to see families enjoy the model trains together. We see grandparents bring their grandchildren, and then tour them around the Museum pointing out objects, such as some of the first televisions and radios, and be able to share memories of what it was like when these technologies were brand new.” Admission to see the Model Trains is free with Museum admission. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit www.SchenectadyMuseum.org. # Museum Receives $1,000 Grant from Pitney Bowes Business Insight
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Schenectady Museum Receives $1,000 Grant from Pitney Bowes Business Insight Pitney Bowes Business Insight has awarded a grant for $1,000 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium’s Powering the Future: The STEM Fund. This funding is granted for the 2011-2012 school year and will help to provide in-school classroom presentations, discounted or free admissions and program fees, and/or transportation assistance. This funding will allow the Museum to provide grants to schools in Tech Valley that serve high populations of low-income families and local community organizations that serve low-income families. Pitney Bowes Business Insight is a software and services company that provides solutions to help organizations acquire, serve and grow relationships with customers and citizens. These solutions enable lifetime customer relationships by integrating data management, location intelligence, sophisticated predictive analytics, rules-based decision making and cross-channel customer interaction management to increase the value of every customer communication while also delivering operational efficiencies. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Museum Receives $3,470 at Second GE Schenectady Works News Event
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Schenectady Museum Receives $3,470 and New Demonstrates Searchable Database at Second Event in 3-Year Campaign to Preserve GE Schenectady Works News The Schenectady Museum received $3,470 at Preserving and Digitizing Schenectady Works News, its second event held November 15 in a three-year campaign to preserve a collection of General Electric employee newsletters, the Schenectady Works News, printed from 1917 to 1985. The evening also included a demonstration of the first microfilmed and digitized editions of the Works News, from 1934 to 1952. The funds raised include $1,745 from individuals and $1,725 in matching funds from General Electric. The three-year campaign aims to secure a total of $36,000 to preserve the entire collection of newsletters. In 2010, a total of $18,145 was raised: an $8,245 New York State Library grant, a $5,000 gift from General Electric, and $2,450 from individuals with another $2,450 in matching funds from General Electric. One of the most valuable and popular collections in the Museum’s Archives, the Schenectady Works News newsletters are a rich source of information about the life of everyday employees and the relationships of one of the United States’ largest and most enduring corporations with its employees and its community. The GE employee newsletters attract researchers from around the world, who are often frustrated by the physical condition of the newsletters and the absence of indexing. The preservation campaign will include microfilming and digitizing the entire collection and ensuring that the newsletter text will be searchable on the computer. To date, funds raised have allowed the Museum to microfilm and digitize issues of the Schenectady GE Works News from 1934 to 1952, which covers much of the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war boom. There are currently about 12,000 pages searchable in the database. The database is currently available by appointment in the Museum Archives. By early next year, the database will be available online. Museum Trustees Dr. Howard R. Hart, Jr. and Dr. James M. Lommel served as guest chairmen of the initial fundraising event. Museum Executive Director Kerry M. Orlyk welcomed an enthusiastic gathering of current and retired GE employees, Museum members, and Museum Trustees with a keen interest in the history of GE. Museum Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Chris Hunter delivered a special presentation, Digitizing Films, Photos, Records, and the GE Works News at the Schenectady Museum. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # 700 Attend ZOOM Into Science FETCH!stival 11/5
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WMHT, SI Group, U Albany, Union College, and Schenectady HS Junior ROTC Volunteers Wowed a Crowd of 700 during ZOOM Into Science FETCH!stival presented by GE November 5 at the Schenectady
WMHT, SI Group, U Albany, Union College, and Schenectady High School Junior ROTC volunteers wowed a crowd of 700 children and families during ZOOM Into Science FETCH!stival presented by GE. The volunteers, along with Museum educators and staff, presented an afternoon of science stations and activity zones inspired by popular PBS kids’ television programs November 5 at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium. ZOOM Into Science volunteers made science come to life in a series of experiments and activities, such as designing and building domes out of gum drops and toothpicks; exploring chemistry by making sticky, gooey slime; discovering engineering by constructing a structure of cups as tall as possible; robotics, energy, and nanotechnology demonstrations; and special Planetarium shows throughout the day. ZOOM Into Science FETCH!stival was sponsored by: GE, Lead Dog Sponsor; WMHT, Media Dog Sponsor; CDPHP, Pitney Bowes, SI Group and William Gundry Broughton Charitable Private Foundation, Inc., Sci-Dog Sponsors. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Schenectady Museum Receives $400 Rotary Grant for Preschool Program
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Schenectady Museum Receives $400 Grant from Rotary Club of Schenectady Foundation for Little Wonders of Science Preschool Program Rotary Club of Schenectady Foundation Inc. has awarded a grant for $400 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium for its Little Wonders of Science preschool program. The funds will be used to purchase books that are distributed to program participants. Little Wonders of Science is a monthly preschool science and literacy program where a Museum Educator reads a story then introduces basic science concepts from the story through a fun craft. Participants receive a copy of the book and materials to continue the study of science at home. Little Wonders of Science is offered the third Thursday and Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Some of this year’s topics are: astronomy and the night sky with Fancy Nancy Sees Stars; weather with Caps, Hats, Socks and Mittens; and floating and sinking with Curious George and the Boat Show. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Schenectady Museum Hosts KAPL Science Day September 28
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Over 100 Schenectady 8th Graders Visited Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium for KAPL Science DayThe Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium hosted KAPL Science Day September 28. KAPL Science Day was attended by over 100 visitors, including students from the Schenectady City School District’s Oneida, Central Park, Mont Pleasant and King Schools. Volunteers from Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) and staff from the Schenectady Museum & Planetarium served as presenters for the day. Visitors explored celestial navigation, electricity, magnetism, motors, generators, and nuclear energy. There was also a special presentation by Capt. Brian Fort on the Energy in the Navy. A celebration of math, science, and technology, KAPL Science Day inspires young people to be interested in these topics for study and work. # Museum Receives $1500 Transportation Grant from Transfinder
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Schenectady Museum Receives $1,500 Grant from Transfinder for Field Trip Transportation Assistance Transfinder has awarded a grant for $1,500 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium’s Powering the Future: The STEM Fund, to provide field trip transportation assistance during the 2011-2012 school year for underserved youth in Schenectady County whose lack of resources would otherwise prevent a visit to the Museum. “We are delighted to partner with Transfinder; this grant helps the Schenectady Museum offer financial assistance to schools that might not otherwise be able to afford to send children to the Museum for a field trip,” noted Schenectady Museum Executive Director Kerry Orlyk. “Transfinder's support is critical to the Museum as research increasingly supports the importance of informal learning environments, like the Schenectady Museum, helping children stay engaged in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).” About Transfinder
About Schenectady Museum
# Museum Receives $750 Grant from Schenectady Insuring Agency
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Schenectady Museum Receives $750 Grant from Schenectady Insuring Agency for Powering the Future: The STEM Fund Schenectady Insuring Agency has awarded a grant for $750 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium’s Powering the Future: The STEM Fund. This funding will assist underserved youth from elementary schools in the Schenectady City School District participating in the Museum’s educational programming through discounted admissions and/or transportation assistance during the 2011-2012 school year. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Museum Receives $2500 Stewart\'s Shops Grant
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Museum Receives $2,500 Grant from Stewart’s Shops for Powering the Future: The STEM Fund Stewart’s Shops has awarded a grant for $2,500 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium’s Powering the Future: The STEM Fund, to provide field trip transportation assistance during the 2011-2012 school year for underserved youth whose lack of resources would otherwise prevent participation. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Museum Receives $250 WGY Christmas Wish Grant
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Schenectady Museum Receives $250 Grant from WGY Christmas Wish for Powering the Future: The STEM Fund WGY Christmas Wish has awarded a grant for $250 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium’s Powering the Future: The STEM Fund, which provides free or reduced admission and transportation assistance for underserved youth whose lack of resources would otherwise prevent participation. WGY has accepted donations for its Christmas Wish program for the past 30 years. The program benefits children 19 years and under in the Great Northeast. Special emphasis is given to critical care services and recreational programs for ill, underprivileged and homeless children. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 40,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Museum Receives $10,000 Wm. Gundry Broughton Charitable Private Foundation Grant for FETCH! Lab
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Schenectady Museum Receives $10,000 Grant from the William Gundry Broughton Charitable Private Foundation, Inc. for FETCH! Lab The William Gundry Broughton Charitable Private Foundation, Inc. has awarded a grant for $10,000 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium to help fund the Museum’s FETCH! Lab, a place where kids can try science and engineering challenges like the ones they see on the PBS television show, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman. This award will be used to assist the Museum with FETCH! Lab program staff, new activity development, supplies and materials, program promotion, and other activities. The Museum offers six hours of hands-on activities in the FETCH! Lab each week, Thursday through Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Activities change weekly and include: Rescue Mission, where young scientists design hooks to retrieve capsules submerged in water; Motion Picture, where young scientists create thaumatropes – optical illusion toys that make two pictures look like one; and Blow It Away, where young scientists design and build a vehicle that is part sailboat and part car. The FETCH! Lab approach to problem solving encourages brainstorming solutions, making predictions, testing and revising ideas and sharing success. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 40,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Museum Receives $6,480 National Institute for Conservation Grant
For Immediate Release
Schenectady Museum Receives $6,840 Grant from the National Institute for Conservation’s Heritage Preservation Program The National Institute for Conservation’s Heritage Preservation Program has awarded a grant for $6,840 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium to help fund collections preservation initiatives. This funding will assist the Museum in improving collections care, developing a long-range preservation/conservation plan for collections, improving environmental conditions, and increasing staff awareness of collections preservation concerns. The Museum will also participate in the 2011 Conservation Assessment Program. Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 40,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others. # Invention Convention 2011 Awards Cerenmony
For Immediate Release June 6, 2011 Contact: Megan Dominguez 518.382.7890 x 227 Invention Convention 2011 Awards Ceremony Honored Student Inventors at Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium May 26 A reception and awards ceremony for Invention Convention 2011 was held May 26 at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium during which 100 student inventors were recognized as regional semi-finalists, and 28 students were announced as state finalists from over 1,300 student submissions. Invention Convention is an annual invention competition open to Capital District students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Students are invited to submit an original idea for an invention that solves a problem they have encountered in their lives. The top 100 entries are then invited to create a model of their invention. A panel of patent attorneys and engineers chose the 100 semi-finalists based on creativity, originality, complexity, innovation, practicality, and impact. The following are Invention Convention 2011 sponsors: Innovator – GE Volunteers; Inventors – MVP Healthcare, Time Warner Cable; Problem Solvers – M & T Bank, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation; Tinkerers – 1st Playable Productions, LLC, Berkshire Bank, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C., Hoffman Warnick LLC, New York State United Teachers, Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP. The 26 state finalists represent 14 schools in the Capital Region: Albany Academies: Will Fitzgerald, Icicles-B-Gone; Ballard Elementary School: Courtney Bain, Clothing Organizer App; Adam Basile, HearRing; Abigail Corentto, The Booster Seat Foot Rest; Zachary LaFave, The Every Skate; Berne-Knox-Westerlo Middle School: Patrick Farnan, R.each N.o M.ore Cabinet; Stephanie Mason, No Excuse to Miss the Bus; Doane Stuart School: Connor Danz, The Lego Sorter; Draper Middle School: Austen Blanchard, Shoe Hooks; East Hill Elementary School: Madeline Elliott, Catcher Cone; Elmer Avenue Elementary School: Alyssa Harrynanan, All Around the World Dolls; Harrison Avenue Elementary School: Madison Ruby, Doggie Doorbell; Lake Avenue Elementary School: Kathryn Grabowski and Tess Turner, The Aroma Spraying Alarm Clock; Leora Cohen-Togor and Brynna Hill, Lightning Power Generator; Lake George Elementary School: Maxim Paszko, Robotic Wheel Chair; Oliver Winch Middle School: Thomas King, The Scan-Locked Gun; Andrew Williams, Flick Lock Crutches; Scotia-Glenville Middle School: Carson Rowe, Electric Steering Wheel Hand Warmer; St. Mary’s Catholic School – Waterford: Anthony Atalla, Paint Pro; Krystin Messier, Shop With Ezzz!; Emily Spoor, Bend-A-Hanger; West Sand Lake Elementary School: Michael Beskid, Permanent Hidden Holiday Lights; Nicholas John DonVito, Armor Pants; James Finelli, Pet Safety Collar; Megan Hale, The Beeping Fish Pole; Nicholas Zalucky, H20 H20 H20 Hose. About Invention Convention Invention Convention was originally developed as part of the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration through the New York State Alliance for Arts. Over time, the Alliance moved out of direct programming for children toward arts advocacy and professional development for teachers. In 1997, two GE patent attorneys approached the Alliance about reinstating Invention Convention in the Capital Region. The Alliance opted not to be involved, but directed them to the Schenectady Museum. The Museum took on the program, given the strong connection with its mission and collections. A planning committee with members from GE and the Museum was formed, along with representatives from Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, and later Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. The team has been dedicated to engaging students in the innovation process for more than 10 years. Participation has increased steadily from 167 in 1998 to 1,336 this year. In 2003, three separate divisions were established for separate judging by grade level: Edison (K-2), Steinmetz (3-5) and Coolidge (6-8). The number of semifinalists in each division is proportionate to the total number of entries per division. About the Schenectady Museum
# Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium, Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, NY 12308 Phone: 518.382.7890 • Fax: 518.382.7893 Invention Convention 2011 @ Schenectady Museum
For Immediate Release
Invention Convention 2011 at Schenectady Museum Showcases Top 100 Student Inventions from Over 1300 Submissions Invention Convention 2011 at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is now open and features the top 100 student inventions chosen from over 1,300 submissions. Invention Convention is an annual student invention competition open to Capital District students from grades K through eight from both public and private schools. Students are invited to submit an original idea for an invention that solves a problem. The top 100 entries are then invited to create a model of their concept. These inventions are on display at the Museum through May 26, 2011. Students were invited to submit a proposal of an original idea for a device or a method for solving a problem that can occur in the environment, in technology or industry, in the classroom, home or even during leisure time activities. This year 1,336 entries were received, a dramatic increase from the 167 received in 1998, according to Education Manager Megan Dominguez. A volunteer team of scientists, patent lawyers and other professionals from the community evaluated the submissions and chose the top 100 entries. “At the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium, our goal is to be the best informal Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) learning organization in Tech Valley. Toward that end, we are the only science center in the Capital Region to offer Invention Convention, which stimulates creativity and imagination and promotes the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Teaching students how to invent and apply problem-solving skills helps nurture the next generation of inventors and scientists,” notes Museum Education Manager Megan Dominguez. The Regional Awards Ceremony will be Thursday, May 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium to celebrate the 100 student inventor semi-finalists and to announce 25 finalists. General Electric (GE) Global Research Photovoltaic Engineer Todd Tolliver will deliver a special presentation entitled Solar and the Need for Innovation at the ceremony. Since starting work at GE Global Research more than nine years ago, Mr. Tolliver has worked on projects involving fiber optic (FO) network design, analog FO links, polymer waveguides, and polymer-based interferometers. Most recently, he has spent the last six years working in the field of photovoltaics investigating technologies in both devices and modules. He has lead a multidisciplinary team developing high efficiency silicon solar cells and was the principal investigator for GE’s Solar America Initiative program. After recently leading an effort in flexible packaging of thin film solar cells, Mr. Tolliver is currently leading development of back contact processes for thin film modules. He currently holds 11 patents and has published 22 journal articles and conference papers. The following are Invention Convention 2011 sponsors: Innovator – GE Volunteers; Inventors – MVP Healthcare, Time Warner Cable; Problem Solvers – M & T Bank, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation; Tinkerers – 1st Playable Productions, LLC, Berkshire Bank, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C., Hoffman Warnick LLC, New York State United Teachers, Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP. About Invention Convention
In 1997, two GE patent attorneys approached the Alliance about reinstating Invention Convention in the Capital Region. The Alliance opted not to be involved, but directed them to the Schenectady Museum. The Museum took on the program, given the strong connection with its mission and collections. A planning committee with members from GE and the Museum was formed, along with representatives from Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts LLP, Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association, and later Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. The team has been dedicated to engaging students in the innovation process for more than 10 years. Participation has increased steadily from 167 in 1998 to 1,336 this year. In 2003, three separate divisions were established for separate judging by grade level: Edison (K-2), Steinmetz (3-5) and Coolidge (6-8). The number of semifinalists in each division is proportionate to the total number of entries per division. About the Schenectady Museum
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STEM Teacher Training Workshop @ Museum April 21
For Immediate Release
STEM Education Teacher Training Workshop at Schenectady Museum April 21
The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is hosting a free STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Education Teacher Training Workshop Thursday, April 21 at 9:00 a.m. at the Museum. The STEM Teacher Training Workshop is sponsored by the Time Warner Cable Connect a Million Minds initiative. Participants will enjoy a networking breakfast and explore ways to teach STEM with presentations by Museum educators. After lunch, teachers and their families can observe demonstrations and activities throughout the Museum, and collect ideas and handouts to take back to their classrooms. Call 518.382.7890 x 227 to register. As part of our collaborative efforts to inspire children in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is proud to provide informal science education training workshops for educators across Tech Valley and beyond. The ideas that we share with teachers are designed to demonstrate new ways to introduce these, often daunting, concepts to their students in the classroom. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. Admission to the workshop is free.
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April Break Activities @ Schenectady Museum
For Immediate Release
April Break Activities at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium, Where Science is Fun for Everyone! If you’re looking for something fun to do during April School Break, come to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium, where science is fun for everyone! Explore science through hands-on activities, Planetarium Shows with the GOTO Star Projector, FETCH! Lab activities, and Science Discovery Demos. And, A Tribute to ALCO Locomotives and Fuel Cell Technology, a Fueling the Future exhibit update are opening April 21. The Museum will be open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, April 16 & 17 and Saturday, April 23, and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday, April 21 & 22 with special programming for children and their families during April School Break. The Museum will offer special hands-on science activities 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 21 – Saturday, April 23. Have fun exploring science with Museum educators. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium will offer three shows each day: · 1:00 p.m.: The Sky Above Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: Fred Rogers and his Neighborhood of Make-Believe friends explore the wonders of the sky in this first-visit Planetarium show geared to pre-school audiences. · 2:00 p.m.: Light Years from Andromeda: Take a journey between two galaxies that spans human history and explains cosmic distances and light speed. Narrated by Michael Dorn, Worf of Star Trek. · 3:00 p.m.: Seasonal Sky Tour: A live narration of the stars, constellations and planets visible in the current night sky. This 45 minute program also takes a look at current events happening in astronomy. Shows at the Suits-Bueche Planetarium are powered by the GOTO Chronos Star Projector, one of only 12 such star machines in the United States and the only one in the northeast. Visitors see 8,500 stars on the Planetarium dome, close to the actual number of visible stars in the night sky. And, all Shows at the Schenectady Museum's Suits-Bueche Planetarium include a look at the current night sky and the latest astronomy news. After a Planetarium Show, stop by the FETCH! Lab. Recreating the colorful, energetic feel of the PBS TV show, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, the Museum’s FETCH! Lab is a place where kids can try hands-on science and engineering challenges like the ones they see on the show. Instead of just watching FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman on television, come to the Museum’s FETCH! Lab and try the science and engineering challenges yourself. The FETCH! Lab will be open 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. with the following activities:
And, visitors can enjoy Science Discovery Demos 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, April 16 & 17 and Saturday, April 23, where they can learn about producing energy from renewable and non-renewable sources. Enjoy an educator-led bonus educational opportunity at the Museum. While you’re at the Museum, check out A Tribute to ALCO Locomotives, which opens 21. Explore the contributions of the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady in this new display. Discover the history of steam and diesel locomotives as well as Schenectady’s continuing contributions to the transportation industry. And, explore Fuel Cell Technology, a Fueling the Future exhibit update, opening April 21. Learn how fuel cells work and why they are important for our future energy consumption! See a GenSys Fuel Cell with the exterior panel removed so you can see inside, schematic drawings, and an interactive element illustrating how the fuel cell operates. This upgrade to the Museum’s Fueling the Future exhibit is sponsored by National Grid. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. April Break hands-on science activities, FETCH! Lab activities, and Science Discovery Demos are free with Museum admission; add $4 for Planetarium Show. For more information, call 518.382.7890 or visit SchenectadyMuseum.org. # Museum Receives $25K Save America\'s Treasures Grant
For Immediate Release
Schenectady Museum Awarded $25K Save America’s Treasures Grant
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