Independence Day Celebrations To Be Held At CMOM 7/2-5

The Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) announced an Independence Day weekend of programs around the theme of Raising Citizens from Friday, July 2 through Monday, July 5, 2010. Children can express their vision of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" in celebration of the July 4th holiday. CMOM is kicking off the holiday weekend programs with a special free hands-on workshop as part of Target Free Friday Night with acclaimed artist and author Faith Ringgold to inspire dialogue among families about the meaning of freedom.

Faith Ringgold, best known for her painted story quilts, will lead the first workshops and highlight the importance of history and tradition passed down through elders. For the CMOM program, Ms. Ringgold will work with families to create a collaborative American Dream Quilt showcasing their reflections on the American Dream. Ms. Ringgold's work is in the Permanent Collections of the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Museum of Modern Art. She is also an accomplished author; her first book, Tar Beach, was a Caldecott Honor Book and winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration.

"CMOM wants to provide children with the opportunity to learn about being active citizens, encourage them to be a part of the American legacy of freedom, and reinforce the idea that anything and everything they contribute can make a difference," said Andrew Ackerman, Executive Director, Children's Museum of Manhattan. "By teaching these lessons early on, we hope to influence the development of today's children into a generation of active and engaged citizens."

Last year, more than 3,000 children and adults came together to take part in educational activities, share family history and discuss their vision for America at the "American Dream Quilt" workshop. This year, the special Friday night event will also feature a performance by singer/songwriter Louie Miranda of classic patriotic songs, including "Yankee Doodle" and "This Land is Your Land." CMOM will display photographs of collages and feature stories from Raising Citizens: Independence Day on their website www.cmom.org.

"With their series, Raising Citizens, CMOM recognizes the special role that parents, grandparents, and adult family members play in raising children to be responsible citizens," said Lee M. Hendler, Project Consultant. "Family is one of the biggest influencers in a child's life, and so teaching such values within the family is key. The series hopes to be a catalyst for at-home discussions that will continue to teach children the importance of civic participation."

Each program at the Museum will include fun interactive experiences for families that are designed to generate dialogue between adults and their children about freedom and responsibility while providing special opportunities for sharing across generations.

Raising Citizens is a year-round series of public programs inspiring families to explore our democratic tradition and their family stories through celebrations of major American holidays. It focuses on six major American holidays and the special qualities each feature that every healthy democracy's citizens need. Engaging activities in museums and at home allow families to experience renewed meaning in our civic calendar and turn what is usually time off into meaningful time on to help raise our next generation of citizens.

As part of Raising Citizens, CMOM created a series of public programs that use experiences and hands-on activities to spark intergenerational civic conversation and action. The Freedom's Feast website (www.freedomsfeast.us) provides fun, flexible online ceremonies and other enrichment programs to extend the celebration, conversation and action beyond the Museum walls. Raising Citizens: Independence Day was made possible by the generous support from the Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund

Raising Citizens: Independence Day Programs

 

Target Free First Friday Night 5-8pm

 

Raising Citizens: Independence Day

Fri, July 2

FREE Admission 5-8pm

Families will create an American Dream Quilt together. Adults and children will each collage a paper quilt square using red, white and blue paper to express what "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" means to them. Selected images and stories will be showcased on CMOM's website and Facebook page.

Patriotic Sing-along with Louie Miranda

Fri, July 2

6:15 & 7:15pm

Join bilingual singer/songwriter Louie Miranda as he sings classic patriotic songs like "Yankee Doodle," "This Land is Your Land" and "The Star-Spangled Banner."

 

Tar Beach with Faith Ringgold

Fri, July 2

6:30pm

Faith Ringgold reads her award-winning picture book, Tar Beach. Book signing follows.

(Books available for purchase).

 

Raising Citizens: Independence Day

Sat-Mon, July 3- 5

12, 2, 3 & 4pm | 5 & older

Learn about the importance of the Declaration of Independence. Create an American Dream quilt expressing your vision of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

July 4th Sparkly Fireworks Collage

Sat-Mon, July 3- 5

10am, 1pm | ages 4 & younger
Celebrate Independence Day by making a sparkly fireworks collage with colorful crinkly and metallic papers.

July 4th PlayWorks^TM Circle Time

Sat-Mon, July 3- 5

11:30am & 4pm | ages 4 & younger
Sing favorite American folk songs and read a book about this historic day!

Red, White and Blue Mural Wall

Sat- Mon, July 3- 5

12 & 2:30pm ages 4 & younger
Mix red, white and blue paint on the PlayWorks^TM Mural Wall with your friends.

About the July Event
Raising Citizens: Independence Day
July 2-5, 2010
All events are free with paid admission to the museum

Children's Museum of Manhattan
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam
New York, NY 10024
212.721.1223

About Children's Museum of Manhattan
Founded in 1973, the Children's Museum of Manhattan is New York City's leading cultural institution dedicated solely to kids and families. CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions. CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages. Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds. For details on all of CMOM's programs, please visit www.cmom.org or call 212.721.1223.