with Please Touch Museum® Members | Summer 2014
PTM’S FABULOUS 5TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
2014 ACES GRADUATES! ACES (Achievement through Community Service, Education, and Skill Building) is Please Touch Museum’s year-round, work-based learning, enrichment, and mentoring program for high school students in Philadelphia. In 2014,13 students participated in the program. Each year, a celebratory event is held for the ACES students who are graduating from their high schools and the ACES program. This year’s ceremony took place on Tuesday June 3rd, 2014. PTM honored Zabria Hennigan and Yasmeen Murray, who have been very active in the program for the past four years. Here are a few interesting facts about our graduates: Zabria Hennigan •Attended Constitution High School •Will attend Central Penn College in the fall; and is a born leader Yasmeen Murray •Attended Parkway Northwest •Will attend Cabrini College in the fall; and has a bright smile and positive attitude We are so proud of all they have accomplished and wish them the best in their future endeavors!
Please Touch Museum (PTM) held a fabulous Birthday Party celebrating its fifth year at Memorial Hall, in Fairmont Park. For this exclusive, adult-only affair guests were treated to the music of award winning a cappella band Duwende; birthday cakes from well-known local bakeries, including a whimsical PTM themed creation by Food Network Cupcake Wars winner Cake Life Bake Shop; and celebrity appearances by NBC’s The Voice semi-finalist Matthew Schuler, former 6ABC anchor David Roberts and many more. This fabulous event was presented by the Philadelphia Phillies and raised approximately $300,000 for Please Touch Museum “As an educator for more than 30 years, I have seen firsthand just how important a quality education is for the future success of our country. This institution provides children and adults with much-needed resources and opportunities to help prepare them for the future,” said Dr. Biden, a lifelong educator and Second Lady of the United States. Since relocating to Memorial Hall in 2008, the Museum has expanded its commitment to providing inclusive and interactive exhibits and programs to nearly 600,000 visitors annually. PTM has also expanded its outreach programs in important areas such as school readiness, job training, and parenting workshops in underserved neighborhoods. All that Please Touch Museum offers both within the Museum and out in the community has led to this institution’s impact on the regional economy. As a major cultural institution in the Greater Philadelphia region, PTM is responsible for $20M in household income and $3.5M in city and state tax revenue.
KINDERGARTEN MIXER
On Saturday August 2nd, we are hosting the 12th annual Kindergarten Mixer. This is a free event at PTM for children starting Kindergarten in the Philadelphia region. The main goal of the event is to get families excited about their children’s transition into school. Guests can explore the Museum, interact with Kindergarten teachers, and watch the “Pinky Prepares for Kindergarten” show in the Please Touch Playhouse Theater. The event also features various community resources and organizations committed to school readiness. The Mixer commences with a Kindergarten themed pep rally. Kindergarten Mixer and Please Touch Museum’s school readiness initiative are presented by:
SUMMER READING INITIATIVE Early literacy is one of the fundamental building blocks for kindergarten readiness, as children learn to be familiar and comfortable with books, printed words, and following a narrative. To encourage families to read together, PTM provides children in pre-K with Summer Reading kits. Each kit consists of books with matching activity guides and art projects, relevant art supplies, as well as a reading chart and a letter that explains the program and its goals to parents. The reading charts allow students (and parents) to reflect on each story and the program. The Summer Reading kits provide families with the opportunity to create meaningful interactions with literacy, in order to help prevent the skill loss that can occur over the summer between Pre-K and Kindergarten.
MEET MAGGIE GUMMERE Director Of Visitor Engagement
Maggie Gummere became the Director of Visitor Engagement in April 2014. With a career in museum management, early childhood education, and urban education, she most recently worked at the Community Education Alliance of West Philadelphia. As a native Philadelphian, Maggie is proud to be a part of the city’s premier instiution for learning through play! • You might see me around the Museum....Making sure our Museum Experience Hosts have everything they need to ensure that visitors have a great time playing. As the parent of a 2 year old, I especially love interacting with families in the Museum’s Toddler Zones, designed specifically for children ages three and younger. • My Favorite Part of my job is....Working with my team to come up with fun new ways to play in the exhibits. • My favorite toy as a child was....Skip-It!!! I loved feeling the centrifugal force orbit around my ankles. It’s weird because I don’t tend to exercise much as an adult, but as a child I was completely obsessed and mesmerized by Skip-It. This was actually one of the questions I was asked when I interviewed for this position, and after the interview I tried to buy one on-line but they no longer make them. Such a shame!
SUMMER TRAVEL WITH A PTM MEMBERSHIP With the summer travel season approaching, we want to take this opportunity to remind you that a Please Touch Museum Membership now guarantees discounted admission for up to six (6) individuals at more than 200 participating children’s museums nationwide through the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network. In order to receive discounted admission under the ACM Reciprocal Network, PTM members should note the following: • 50% OFF general admission for up to six (6) individuals (including cardholder) is guaranteed when visiting a participating ACM reciprocal museum with a valid PTM Membership card. It is at the discretion of the ACM reciprocal museum however to determine the number of additional individuals, admitted under this program, if any. • At least one of the adults listed on a card should be present at time of admission. ACM reciprocal museums may request photo ID from an ACM reciprocal membership cardholder. For additional information on the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and network guidelines, visit their website at www.childrensmuseums.org * Summer Travel Tip: Please call or check out the websites of the children’s museums you plan to visit over the summer through the ACM Reciprocal Network Program to understand their policies and procedures. Safe travels!
GET TO PTM IN A PHLASH! The Phlash trolley has returned for the 2014 summer season! This summer, the Phlash route is the quickest and most convenient way to get to PTM from Philadelphia’s Historic District, Parkway Museums District and many other points throughout the city. Phlash trolleys run between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., every 15 minutes, 7 days a week through Labor Day. Making 20 stops between Penn’s Landing, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and PTM, at only $2 per individual ride, the Phlash is the most earth friendly and economical way to get to the City’s favorite attractions this summer!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Meet the Damsker Family!
Q. How long have you been a member? A. Seven years, the account was originally started by my mom, Ruth Damsker, originally. Q. What exhibit do your children enjoy the most? A. The children absolutely love the construction zone and the foam bricks. They spend a lot of time there!
8 For a map and full listing of Phlash stops, visit www.phillyphlash.com
COOL OFF AT PTM WITH A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP Join between now and Labor Day and take $10 off your Basic, Explorer or Premier membership. Please Touch Museum Member’s enjoy free admission and free parking all year long. Membership pays for itself in just two museum visits!
THE CENTENNIAL GUILD, V.I.P. Membership & Giving Program
Want even more out of your Please Touch Museum Membership? Upgrade or renew and become a Centennial Guild, VIP member today! PTM’s VIP Membership & Giving Program allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a Premier Membership PLUS additional benefits designed to enhance your Museum experiences and provide you with VIP treatment! • Complimentary tickets and VIP parking to annual events including Monster Mash and Countdown 2 Noon®
Q. Can you tell us one of your fondest memories at the Museum? A. The most amazing thing was being the first family in the Museum at the Mother’s Day breakfast. We literally had the entire building to ourselves to do whatever we wanted. Q. What was the last event you attended at the Museum? A. The children went to the Storybook Ball as well as the Mother’s Day breakfast. Q. Can you give us some feedback about the event you attended? A. The food was excellent both times, and because the Museum purposely limited the attendance, the events never felt crowded at all. Each month we will spotlight one member family! To have your family featured, please write to membership@pleasetouchmuseum.org
• 35% Discount on a PTM Birthday Party • Personal concierge service for a fast entry into the Museum and VIP entrance into the Theater • Exclusive early access to PTM on select Sundays throughout the year A portion of every Centennial Guild Membership is a meaningful charitable donation in support of PTM’s Museum Access Programs, which provide free admission for families unable to afford to visit the Museum. Centennial Guild Members not only get to enjoy the Museum in a unique way they also Make A Difference!
To join, renew, or learn more about the Centennial Guild, please visit www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
Take the Fun Home with You! The Fubbles™ No-Spill® Big Bubble Bucket® allows up to 3 kids to play without spilling any bubble liquid – perfect for play dates! The wide base improves stability, and the patented No-Spill design eliminates bubble spills. Features a twist open top for easy filling & easy-to-carry handle for on-the-go bubble fun! Fubbles includes:
KEEP INTOUCH WITH PTM “Like” PTM’s Facebook page and follow the Museum on Twitter (@pleasetouch) for access to the latest news, contests, promotions, and photos of all that goes on at the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia™!
• A NO-SPILL Bubble Tumbler with wand for active kids • Encourages discovery and fine motor skills • Durable, innovative, patented design eliminates bubble spills • Especially designed to accommodate the youngest bubble blowers • Winner of multiple awards • Refill with any quality bubble solution
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. Postage
PAID
Phila., PA Permit No. 1743
4231 Avenue of the Republic Philadelphia, PA 19131
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PTM?
August 1 & 2 Berenstain Bears Special Appearance. Check website for details
September 16 Curious George Story Time and Meet & Greet 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
August 2 Kindergarten Mixer 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
August 24 Star Wars Day at Please Touch Museum 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
July 19 We Live Philly Sports Festival 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8 Dates and times are subject to
JUNE
August 6 Target First Wednesday with Teens 4 Good Farm Stand 4:00 – 7 p.m.
July 17 Disney Junior Pirate and Princess, Power of Doing Good, family event. SOLD OUT!
change. For up-to-date listings visit www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
August 25 Olivia the Pig Story Time and Meet & Greet 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
AUGUST
July 26 Fire Safety Day 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
JULY
September 3 Target First Wednesday with Teens 4 Good Farm Stand 4:00 – 7 p.m.
PLEASE TOUCH PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS “President Ulysses S. Grant & the Great Centennial Banana Mystery” It is May 10, 1876, opening day of the Centennial celebration in Philadelphia and President Ulysses S. Grant is the guest of honor. Yet in the midst of all the festivities the President’s foot slips on something. He looks down and is confounded by what he finds! What is this yellow and slippery peel and where did it come from? No one has ever seen anything like this before. It is a mystery. A great Centennial mystery!
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