Celebrate Black History Month At The Staten Island Children's Museum

The Staten Island Children's Museum will celebrate Black History Month in February with a full slate of programming highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments of people from the African diaspora, including ground-breaking scientists, cutting-edge fashion designers, and fierce record-setting athletes.

On Saturday, February 10, children will play math games and learn about the important contributions of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson, pioneer NASA mathematicians whose work was featured in the movie "Hidden Figures." This Con Edison Second Saturday Science workshop takes place from Noon - 1:00 pm.

The "Très Chic! Cut-Out Clothes" workshop on Sunday, December 11 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm will celebrate fashion week and the work of designer Tracy Reese and model Chantelle Brown-Young.

Staten Island's Sandy Ground Historical Society will share a presentation on the Underground Railroad, which led thousands of slaves to freedom. Sessions on Monday, February 19 are at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 & 4:00 pm. Timed tickets are available at the front desk. This day is a Cool School Holiday, with FREE admission all day, made possible by the Staten Island Children's Museum Trustees.

From Tuesday, February 20 - Thursday, February 22, the Museum will be marking the 2018 Winter Olympic Games with events for children to practice the skills needed to be an Olympian like the athletes Lolo Jones, Vonetta Flowers, Shani Davis, and Debi Thomas. Sessions on those days are at 2:30 & 3:30 pm.

Learn the history of Praise Dance, which is commonly incorporated into liturgy at Afro-Caribbean houses of worship, with Staten Island's own Rev. Olga Robinson on Saturday, February 24 with sessions at 2:00 & 3:00 pm.

During the Weekend Art Studio on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, children will create concentric circles of color inspired by the works of African-American expressionist painter Alma Thomas.

And the ShopRite Kidz Cook sessions on Fridays at 3:00 & 4:00 pm will show young chefs how crops from Africa are included in the Creole style of cooking found in New Orleans.

"We are pleased to offer this important programming as we celebrate Black History Month," said Dina Rosenthal, executive director of the Museum. "From scientists, artists, activists and athletes, we are recognizing and sharing the many contributions of black leaders and role models both past and present."

Be sure to visit the Museum's website at www.sichildrensmuseum.org and its Facebook page for any updates on February 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.