World Wonders and Storytime Expeditions:

Summer Wednesdays are Kid and Family Days June 27 Through August 15 at the Penn Museum

PHILADELPHIA, PA 2018—Families looking for summer adventures can find them Wednesday mornings at the Penn Museum, with two programs: Storytime Expeditions (geared to families with young children ages 4 to 9) and World Wonders (geared to ages 5 to 13 and their families). The programs, free with Museum admission, run Wednesdays, June 27 through August 15 (exception: the Museum is closed Wednesday, July 4). Advance reservations are recommended by calling Learning Programs at 215.746.6774 or emailing education@pennmuseum.org. Walk-ins are also welcome, space permitting. The Museum’s online calendar is regularly updated: www.penn.museum/calendar.

After a morning program, guests can explore the Museum galleries, including the new Middle East Galleries, The Egypt (Mummies) Gallery, Native American Voices: The People, Here and Now, and special exhibitions like The Artifact Lab: Conservation in Action, and Moundbuilders: Ancient Architects of North America. On Wednesdays, too, the Museum’s Pepper Mill Café offers kid and family-friendly menu options to enjoy indoors or take packaged out to one of the gardens.

Storytime Expeditions

Wednesdays, June 27 – August 15, 10:15 am

Before each World Wonders presentation, children ages 4 to 9 and their chaperones or families may participate in Storytime Expeditions, themed storybook readings featuring touchable replica artifacts and a guided tour around the galleries. Each week's Storytime Expedition is designed to complement the themes of our kid-friendly World Wonders programs, which are offered from 11:00 am -12:00 pm on the same dates (see schedule below). Space is limited. Groups of 10 or more should book ahead by calling 215.746-6774.

World Wonders

Wednesdays, June 27 – August 15, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

World Wonders summer series features a globally diverse lineup of performances geared toward children ages 5 to 13 and their families. Each morning program offers a unique opportunity to journey through various cultural traditions by way of music, dance, theater, science programs, and more. No reservations are required for families, but advance registration is suggested. Advance registration is required for groups of 10 or more: contact Learning Programs at 215.746.6774. Free with Museum admission.

June 27

Eda Ne Kakati

In this interactive assembly, Ssuuna introduces students to the artistry of African culture through dance, music, and storytelling. Sharing music from his native Uganda using authentic African instruments such as the thumb piano and one-stringed fiddle, Ssuuna inspires students to compare and contrast cultures and to learn the importance of respecting cultural differences. The program ends in celebration as students play alongside Ssuuna and learn a song in Luganda, the language of Uganda.

July 11

Eco Del Sur

Featuring internationally touring performers, this band brings to life the various traditions and music heard in the South American Mountains. ECO DEL SUR plays authentic Andean music with a variety of traditional instruments that originated during Pre-Columbian times in combination with the stringed instruments brought by the Spanish conquistadors.

July 18

Momma Sandi Tales presents Myth Making

Understanding the role of myths in our society is a fun and rewarding exploration of storytelling. Myths are a universal tool used in all cultures to help us understand the world around us. Storyteller Momma Sandi guides us on a journey of how myths are created and demonstrates how they are passed down orally. In this interactive session, Momma Sandi focuses on three types of myths: creation myths, nature myths, and hero myths.

July 25

The Franklin Institute Presents Sound, Music, and Math

Explore how vibrations produce waves in air and how those waves are related to our sense of hearing. Discover the science behind the making of music, because the scientific principles that allow us to craft sound into art can be as beautiful as the music itself.

August 1

The Academy of Natural Sciences Presents Animal Play: Enriching the Lives and Instincts of Animals

Play is an essential part of human development, and while you might not catch a squirrel playing squash, animals also learn through play and games. We’ll explore some of the games with live animals from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

August 8

StoryUP!

The StoryUP! show invites you on a unique adventure, as improvisational actors present an interactive show based on ideas and stories from the kids in the audience.

August 15

Egyptian Mummy Makers

Ever wonder how and why the ancient Egyptians mummified their dead? Learn how to be an ancient Egyptian embalmer and prepare Mr. Ulysses Penn for his journey to the afterlife! Using fabricated mummies, explore mummification through each step of the process, including brain removal, evisceration, desiccation, and wrapping. This workshop is demonstration based and uses lifelike replica mummies.

About the Penn Museum

The Penn Museum (the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) is dedicated to the study and understanding of human history and diversity. Founded in 1887, the Museum has sent more than 300 archaeological and anthropological expeditions to all the inhabited continents of the world. With an active exhibition schedule and educational programming for children and adults, the Museum offers the public an opportunity to share in the ongoing discovery of humankind's collective heritage.

The Penn Museum is located at 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (on Penn's campus, across from Franklin Field). Public transportation to the Museum is available via SEPTA's Regional Rail Line at University City Station; the Market-Frankford Subway Line at 34th Street Station; trolley routes 11, 13, 34, and 36; and bus routes 21, 30, 40, and 42. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Wednesdays, June 20 through September 5, 5:00 to 8:00 pm, with Summer Nights Concert Series. June Museum admission is $15 for adults; $13 for senior citizens (65 and above); $10 for children (6 to 17) and full-time students with ID; $2 ACCESS and Museums for All cardholders (up to four family members per card); free for active U.S. Military, free for STAMP cardholders; free to Penn Museum Members, PennCard holders, and children 5 and younger. July and August Museum discounted admission is $10 for guests 6 and older; free for active U.S. Military, free for STAMP cardholders; free to Penn Museum Members, PennCard holders, and children 5 and younger.

Hot and cold meals and light refreshments are offered to visitors with or without Museum admission in The Pepper Mill Café; the Museum Shop offers a wide selection of gifts, books, games, clothing and jewelry. Penn Museum can be found on the web at www.penn.museum. For general information call 215.898.4000. For group tour information call 215.746.8183.