Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month At The Staten Island Children's Museum During May

The Staten Island Children's Museum is proud to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout May.

The special programming starts with the Weekend Art Workshop featuring "Manga Madness," where budding artists will create their own Japanese anime-inspired illustrations. The Workshop is open Saturdays and Sundays during May from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

The ShopRite Kidz Cook Friday sessions on May 11, 18 and 25 will show young chefs how to cook traditional Hawaiian dishes. All Kidz Cook sessions are at 3:00 and 4:00 pm and are free with admission.

On Sunday, May 20, the Filipino School of New York and New Jersey will lead Martial Arts Workshops at 1:00 and 2:00 pm.

Also on that day, visitors will create a Mother's Day Cherry Blossom painting with guidance from Peggy Lee, a first-generation Chinese-American artist. She will present the history of cherry blossoms and share how they are important in Chinese culture, representing beauty and strength, and often used as a symbol of love. This special art workshop will be open from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Leading up to Memorial Day, the Museum will honor the bravery and dedication of the United States 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the U.S. unit composed of all Japanese soldiers during WWII. Young visitors will also learn about Daniel K. Inouye, the U.S. Senator from Hawaii and his contributions to the 442nd. Children will create their own Purple Heart, Distinguished Service and Bronze Star medals in this Memorial Day Walk-In Workshop on Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

The Museum will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28.

As in years past, the Children's Museum will be participating in the Blue Star Museums program, offering active and reserve military families with ID free admission from May 26 until Labor Day, September 3.

In addition to the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month programs, the Children's Museum will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a special ShopRite Kidz Cook menu on Friday, May 4 at 3:00 and 4:00 pm.

Also, the Sundog Theatre will present a performance of the "The Trial of Hansel and Gretel" at 12:15 pm on Saturday, May 5.

Con Edison Second Saturday Science! will take explorers "High in the Himalayas!" from Noon - 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 12. Young scientists will learn about Mount Everest and study the types of rocks found there.

After Second Saturday Science, visitors will be able to head over to the the Staten Island Museum in Building A at Snug Harbor for a free Family Tai Chi workshop from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. Tai Chi is a powerful healing practice, a moving meditation and a non-contact martial art - all in one. Tickets for this event will be distributed at the Second Saturday Science Workshop.

And last but not least, the Garden Terrace and Sea of Boats outdoor exhibits will be reopening for the spring and summer! These popular exhibits offer visitors a chance to enjoy the Museum and sunny days outside at the same time.

"We are excited to present these programs in May and to share the history, culture and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans with our young visitors," said Dina Rosenthal, executive director of the Museum.

Be sure to visit the Museum's website at sichildrensmuseum.org for any updates on the month's programs and events.

The Staten Island Children's Museum is located on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm during the school year; 10:00 am to 5:00 pm weekends, summers and most public school holidays. For more information, call 718-273-2060, email info@sichildrensmuseum.org, or visit our website, www.sichildrensmuseum.org.

The Staten Island Children's Museum is housed in a building owned by the City of New York and its operation is made possible, in part, with public funds provided through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs with support from the Staten Island delegation to the NYC Council. Significant operating support is also provided by the NYS Council on the Arts, Corporations, Foundations, the Trustees and Members.