Staten Island Children's Museum Honor America's Military During July

The Staten Island Children's Museum will honor America's military during special programs and events throughout the month of July.

Returning for the summer: the Weekday Art Studio! In July, young artists will learn about the history of the American flag and get to create a flag that represents their own unique selves. The Studio will be open Tuesday - Thursday in July from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Sliced bread, bagged salad and smoothies were all the brainchild of the U.S. military. Visitors will get to create and enjoy a variety of foods using these kitchen staples during July ShopRite Kidz Cook sessions on Friday afternoons at Noon, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Free with admission; tickets will be available at the front desk.

The Museum of Maritime Navigation & Communication will share a special presentation on Saturday, July 7 at 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Before cell and satellite phones, how did people communicate or navigate at sea, or in isolated places? Attendees will learn about vital tools used by our military and explorers.

Visitors will have a chance to say "thank you" to a member of America's military on active duty during a special Letter Writing Workshop. The Children's Museum will mail these notes of gratitude and encouragement to those serving overseas. The Workshop is Sunday, July 15 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Families will learn about the Tuskegee Airmen and decorate and fly their own paper airplanes inspired by these Red Tail Flyers. They will also create "nose art," which was painted on U.S. planes flown during WWII. This special Weekend Art Workshop is on Saturday, July 21 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

The Staten Island Children's Museum is once again a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active and reserve military personnel and their families all summer until Labor Day, Monday, September 3. The list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

More Programs in July!

· The Staten Island Children's Museum is proud to introduce its newest program: Play Café! Parents and caregivers are invited to socialize in the new pop-up play café. They will enjoy free coffee or tea while the children make crafts or do activities guided by staff members. The first Play Café is Wednesday, July 11 from
10:00 am - Noon. Those interested should register by emailing jdudley@sichildrensmuseum.org.

· It's time for the "Solar Speedway" during Con Edison Second Saturday Science! on July 14 from Noon - 1:00 pm. Young scientists will race solar cars to mark the return of electric car Formula E-Racing in NYC. Limited to 25 attendees per session; tickets will be available at the front desk.

· On Saturday, July 28, the fun moves over to the Staten Island Museum, also located on the grounds of Snug Harbor, for Moth Night! Guests can stay up late and celebrate National Moth Week with face painting, shadow dancing and a nighttime hike. Admission is $10 per adult, and children under 12 are admitted free. The events are scheduled from 8:30 - 10:30 pm in Building A.

· The month's Weekend Art Studio will offer sculpting with clay on Saturdays and painting on Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Returning Summer Favorite: Boogie Woogie Wednesdays!

Visitors of all ages can pick up some new dance moves in July and August and enjoy FREE admission to the Museum two hours before each Wednesday evening performance.

Picnicking is encouraged! Guests can bring along dinner, dine under the tent on the Meadow and create a family tradition while enjoying the performance.

5:00 pm - Free Museum admission begins

5:30 - 6:30 pm - Story time & crafts

6:30 pm - Free snacks while supplies last

7:00 pm - Dancing begins; Museum exhibits close

July performances

July 11 - Irish Step Dance

July 18 - Russian Traditional Dance

July 25 - African Dance

The Boogie Woogie Wednesdays full summer schedule is at sichildrensmuseum.org.

Boogie Woogie Wednesdays are supported by the Staten Island Delegation of the NYC Council, NYC Cultural Affairs, Dunkin' Donuts and Literacy INC.

The Children's Museum will be closed for Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4.

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.