CMOM Announces Labor Day Activities

On Monday September 6, 2010 the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) will host Raising Citizens: Labor Day, a day-long series of programs that celebrate workers who have contributed to America's prosperity throughout history.  The programs are free with paid museum admission and continue the widely popular Raising Citizens program, a year-round series of programs dedicated to encouraging families to honor our democratic tradition and explore their shared history. 
 
The Labor Day programs give children, parents and families the opportunity to learn how American workers have contributed to America's prosperity and share the history of Labor Day through interactive programs.  The award-winning professional theater company Pushcart Players will present "Let Freedom Ring" a special theatrical performance dramatizing the origins of Labor Day.  Other programs include an appearance by Chef Ben from the legendary Artie's Delicatessen, who will teach children how to make Artie's famous Reuben sandwich.  Also, visitors will create artwork based on their neighborhoods with cut-outs of buildings and drawings of the workers who help their community thrive.
 
"All too frequently we forget the meaning and purpose of Labor Day, and this special day of programs provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the contribution of America's workers who have helped this country prosper," said Andrew Ackerman, Executive Director, Children's Museum of Manhattan. "By teaching our children the importance of hard work and perseverance, we will ensure the robustness of our country while simultaneously giving them the opportunity to celebrate the values on which our country is based."
 
Raising Citizens is a year-round series of programs dedicated to encouraging families to honor our democratic tradition and explore their shared history.  Programs celebrate Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, and Memorial Day.
 
"The Raising Citizens series recognizes the critical role that parents and family play in raising our children to be responsible citizens," said Lee M. Hendler, Project Consultant.  "CMOM's commitment to providing an atmosphere where children and their families can discuss the importance of citizenship provides a priceless contribution to children's development." 
 
In the past, Raising Citizens programs have attracted as many as 3,000 visitors per day.  Last year, CMOM hosted "My Dream Job" in celebration of Labor Day, which brought children and adults together to share family history, discuss their vision for America, and take part in educational activities.  The Raising Citizens series is a collaboration between CMOM and Lee M. Hendler, the project director of Freedom's Feast, an online educational resource (www.freedomsfeast.us) that helps families to come together on key national holidays and celebrate their American heritage.
 
The Raising Citizens series is made possible with generous support from The Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds. Special thanks to Freedom's Feast Project Director, Lee M. Hendler.
Raising Citizens: Labor Day Programs Celebrating Community Workers
Monday, September 6
 
Workers in My Neighborhood Collage
10 - 11:15 am & 1 - 2:30 pm | 4 & younger
Glue paper cut-outs of people doing different jobs in your neighborhood.
 
Meet Community Worker: Chef Ben
1 & 2 pm | 5 & older
Learn how and why Chef Ben from Artie's Delicatessen does his job, and watch him make Artie's famous Reuben sandwich.
 
Create artwork of your own neighborhood with cut-outs of buildings, and draw the workers that make your community thrive!
 
Let Freedom Ring
3 & 4 pm | 5 & older
Learn about the origins of Labor Day through a short theatrical presentation by celebrated national children's theater company, the Pushcart Players.
 
Create artwork of your neighborhood with cut-outs of buildings, and draw the workers that make your community thrive!