Contact: Joanne Guilmette
Phone: 518/474-8730
Fax: 518/486-3696
E-Mail: jguilmet@mail.nysed.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAMILY FUN WEEKEND PLANNED FOR MARCH 15-16

Albany, New York -- 03/04/08

ALBANY, NY – The cultures of Asia, Europe and Africa will be celebrated at the New York State Museum’s next Family Fun Weekend on March 15 and16.

              Family Fun Weekend takes place from 1 – 4 p.m. both days. Activities, which are free of  charge, are held on the Museum’s first floor.

              This month’s event will be known as World Heritage Weekend. On Saturday only, Peter, Paul and George will lead simple traditional dances, which visitors are invited to try. They will introduce musical instruments immigrants brought to this country. Peter, Paul and George are a group that is part of Homespun Community Dancing, an educational organization that teaches about different countries, focusing on their music and dance.

              On Sunday, from 1-2 p.m., Carol Morley, an adoptive mother of two Korean children, will lead a Korean cultural program. From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. members of the Albany Soo Bahk Do Club will demonstrate the art of self-defense.

              During both afternoons, Family Fun participants can also make and decorate anIrish craft.  

              Family Fun Weekends offer theme-based family activities on the third weekend of themonth. 

              The New York State Museum, established in 1836, is a program of the New York

State Education Department. Located at the Empire State Plaza on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is free and the Museum is fully accessible.

              Further information about Museum programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum Web site at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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