Fingerprints, Fall 2015

September-NovemberFall 2015

LincolnChildrensMuseum.org (402) 477-4000 1420 P Street Lincoln, NE 68508

Nov 8thNew Exhibit Grand Openings at 25th Birthday BashInvite Inside!

$10 $10TEN DOLLARS

TEN DOLLARS

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Board of Directors

Tracy Sanford

President Kelly R. Ho�schneider

President Elect

John Connor

Past President

Layne Sup

Secretary

Treasurer

Britta Muhleisen

Holly BaeteMark Walker

Kim Tucker Andrew Willis

Katie Weichman Zulkoski

Paige Duncan

Terry Genrich

Justin Reineke

Kim Keller

Barbara Baier

Amie Martinez

Kelli Hogeland

Michelle GoodFriends President

Lauren Pugliese

Katie Haszard

Tara KnuthExecutive Director

Tara Knuth

What’s on the cover?

I don’t know about you, but I always feel a bit relieved when summer comes to an end. With four kids at home to entertain all summer long, the �rst morning school bell is music to my ears come August. �is year my youngest is entering fourth grade while my oldest will be a senior in high school. It’s hard to imagine my baby getting closer to middle school, but even harder to think about visiting colleges and planning for graduation with my eldest. I know everyone says it, but it’s true, time really does go too fast.

�at’s why our motto here at the museum is “Quick, before they grow up!” because we know how fast it can all �y by. I love looking out our o�ce windows to see parents getting their faces painted by their loving toddlers, or grandparents getting pulled from one exhibit to the next by eager grandchildren. �ese are the memories that parents will daydream about as they read college applications and pick out senior pictures. �at is the power of play; it stays with you long after the toys are put away.

�e museum is the perfect place for making memories on any regular day, but it’s also the perfect place for making memories on special days, like birthdays. Did you know that you can rent out the entire building just for your child and his or her friends for a party or sleepover? �ink of how special they will feel getting to play anywhere they want without any other kids around. �ese Ultimate Parties and Overnights are the stu� kids’ dreams are made of, and they’re the perfect opportunity to take those embarrassing pictures to pull out at their graduation party years later.

Even better, you can pick out your child’s birthday present while you’re here at Twinkle’s Toy Store in our lobby. All the educational toys you could hope for along with fun costumes, personalized items, and games kids of all ages will want to play are all right here in our building. It’s the perfect solution for parents who are pressed for time. And as far as I can tell, that’s every parent.

I know I search for extra time every day to check one more thing o� my to do list, and even I have to make a conscious e�ort to add “play with my kids” to that list. �at’s why it’s so important for Lincoln Children’s Museum to exist. Not just to give kids a chance to create their own worlds and build their imaginations, but also to remind parents how fun their kids actually can be.

Next time you’re here, I hope to see your smiling face painted like a tiger as you help your kid blast o� in the Lunar Lander. Make sure to take a mental picture of your child’s smiling, exuberant face as the Lander shakes and rattles its way to the moon, because before you know it you’ll be taking that same precious face to their �rst day of college and wishing they still just wanted to dress up like an astronaut.

Our biggest exhibit yet, Cuckoo Construction, is coming soon! To learn more, see your 25th Birthday Bash invite inside.

September =Twinkle Cash

Do you know a friend who would love to come to the museum? Now is the perfect time! �roughout the month of September, members can bring in a non-member family to play at the museum, and both you and your friend will receive $10 in Twinkle Cash!

Twinkle Cash can be used towards admissions, memberships, store purchases, educational programming and other fun things at the museum during the month of October! For details and restrictions visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.

Twinkle Cash!

Drop-off: Sept. 19 - Oct. 2BOO-tique Open: Sunday, Oct. 41:00-5:00 p.m.

Drop o� old costumes Get “new” costumes cheap Help raise funds for the museum

Between Sept. 19 and Oct. 2, families are invited to drop o� gently used children’s costumes to the Welcome Desk. A token will be given for every costume donated. On October 4th, families are invited back and, for $5 per family, can enter the BOO-tique where they can redeem their tokens for “new” costumes. To make the process of trying on costumes easier, the Museum suggests children wear their swimsuits underneath their clothing. BOO-tique admission includes a reusable trick-or-treat bag while supplies last.

Drop o�s made by Sept. 25 earn an orange voucher which get the earliest opportunity to shop at the BOO-tique, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 4. Costume drop o�s made Sept. 26-Oct. 2 will be designated with a green voucher, so those families can begin shopping at 2:15 p.m. on event day. Starting at 3:30 p.m., the BOO-tique will open to everyone and costumes will be $5 each.

Anyone not looking for costumes, but who has costumes they would like to donate to the fundraiser, is welcome to drop them at Lincoln Children’s Museum any time before the event.

3For more information and event details, visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.

Special Events

Thursday, Oct. 22 AND Friday, Oct. 236:00-8:00 p.m.

With a huge turnout in 2014, Tenneco of Seward’s Happy HallowGreen gets bigger and better this year with a whole new �oor and two nights of fun! �is not-so-spooky event is full of seasonal activities such as trick-or-treating, creepy critters, and ideas to help you reduce, reuse, and recycle your way to some awesome Halloween decorations.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Come dressed up to trick-or-treat around the mysterious third �oor of the Museum, and then enjoy some EEK-o-friendly presentations and activities as you play on all three museum levels. And if you go green by bringing your Tenneco Happy HallowGreen bag from last year you’ll be entered to win a special prize! �e fun lasts until 8 p.m.

Tickets are required for all guests and are limited so get yours early at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or at the Welcome Desk. Tickets good for one night only.

Entry:Non Member Tickets - $5Member Tickets (required) - FREE

Trick-or-Treating: $3(Includes reusable bag OR use your 2014 bag for a chance to win a prize.)

Lincoln’s #1 indoor trick-or-treat event returns!

Friday, Sept. 117:00-10:00 p.m.It’s time to play games and enjoy Lincoln Children's Museum like you did before you had bills and jobs. You’ve been threatening to quit adulting and go sit in a tree house – here’s your chance! �is fundraiser is guaranteed to give you more play than you get on a typical weekend. With more than 20 games, like tetherball and jumbo jenga, you’re sure to feel like a kid again.

Wear your play clothes and bring your I.D. for this 18+ event. �ere will be a cash bar and snacks from your childhood on sale. Tickets available online or at the door.

Game Night!TicketsGeneral - $20 Group 5+ - $15 each Student - $10 (with valid ID)

Note From Miss Flowers: School may be back in session, but our education programs are still going strong! We have camps and play days to �t all ages and school schedules. Our monthly Preschool Play Days coincide with both M/W/F and T/TH preschool schedules and we host elementary camps whenever Lincoln Public Schools has an out day. All of our programs are intended to mirror and extend the learning that is happening in the schools. In camp we focus on experimentation, hands-on learning and creative play through themed activities and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) principles. Hope to see you soon. Register today!

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Elementary Camps (Ages 6-10)Check-in 8-8:30 a.m.; Check-out 4:30-5 p.m. Campers should bring a sack lunch; no nuts please!For detailed information on camps, prices or to register, visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or call (402) 477-4000.

Preschool Play Days (Ages 3-5)Check-in: 9:30-10 a.m.; Check-out: 4:30-5 p.m.Campers must be toileting independently. Campers should bring a sack lunch; no nuts, please!Members: $25, Non-Members: $30Register now at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org!

Sept. 10 Sept. 28 Oct. 26 Nov. 16 Dec. 14

GIFTS &

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GOODIES full

ahead

full

aheadOct. 9

Members: $50Non-Members: $65

Oct. 15-16Members: $65

Non-Members: $80

Nov. 30Members: $50

Non-Members: $65

Dec. 23Members: $50

Non-Members: $65

Dec. 28-30Members: $75

Non-Members: $90

Ages 1-3 & Parents or CaregiversMembers: $32 & Non-Members: $40�is program is designed for toddlers to do what they do best—learn and explore through play! Each 4-week session features a di�erent theme, speci�c hands-on activities that encourage play and discovery, and opportunities for parent and child to learn and grow together. Each class includes large group time, play-based learning stations, art activities and educational toys. Registration covers one toddler (ages 12-36 months) and their parent, grandparent, or caregiver.

Sept. 16-Oct. 8: Scribble & Squish Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.�ursdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. or 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Oct. 28-Nov. 19: Sensory Activities Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.�ursdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. or 6:00-7:00 p.m.

To register, visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or call (402) 477-4000.

Early Bird SALE!Register for all �ve elementary camps by September 25th and save $50! Members $240, Non-Members $315.

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Dig out your old, gently used costumes and bring them to the BOO-tique.Costume drop off dates are Sept. 19-Oct. 2.

Shop the BOO-tique Oct. 4.

The Museum will close at 5 p.m. on Oct. 22. We will reopen from 6-8 p.m. for Happy HallowGreen.

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Grandparents’ Day

Free Admission!

OPENLABOR DAY

CLOSED

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camp camp

HappyHalloween!

CLOSED

September = Twinkle Cash!

Bring in a non-member family and you both get $10 in Twinkle Cash to use in October. Details online.

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You’re Invited!

Birthday Bash &

New ExhibitGrand Opening!

8

Day

Twinkle’s Toy Store

20% off!

Twinkle’s Toy Store

20% off!

Twinkle’s Toy Store

20% off!

Thank you foryour support:

OPEN

Join us for our 25th BirthdayBash on the 8th!

ClosedHappy �anksgiving!

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTORfor a day!

Friday, Oct. 16How would you like to be the one to call the shots at Lincoln Children’s Museum? Well, with the return of the Executive Director for a Day contest, you can be!

All children ages 6 to 10 are encouraged to apply for this fun-level position to be the head honcho for a day. What changes would you make to encourage more play? Do you have fun ideas for new exhibits and activities? We want to know! Tell us in your kid resume and you could be hired as the Executive Director for an entire day.

To apply, visit our website or Facebook page and complete the short, online application or pick up one at the Welcome Desk. Applications due by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Good Morning Sun, Hello Bike!As most Lincoln Children’s Museum visitors know, a Tour de Lincoln bike was generously donated to the museum by Jim and Rhonda Seacrest after the auction of the bikes in October of 2003. Tour de Lincoln was one of Lincoln Arts Council most successful projects, raising not only the interest in public art, but more than $430,000.

Most of the bicycles have permanent outdoor placements, and not all have fared well in the harsh Nebraska weather. Liz Shea-McCoy, chairwoman of the original Tour de Lincoln bike project, worries about the bike sculp-tures' maintenance.

"It was the one thing we didn't think about at the time," she said, "mostly because we knew they were going to be sold and didn't think it would be an issue." But "Lincoln fell in love with the bikes," Shea-McCoy said, and people wanted to continue to see them.

Luckily for Lincoln Children’s Museum, the donors of their bike are passionate about children, the arts and Lincoln. After conversations between McCoy, the Seacrests and the museum, it was decided to have the bike restored to its original glory by local artists. �e Seacrests sponsored the bike’s reconditioning. Rhonda Seacrest was looking at the bigger picture and said “the hope is that other people will see this and consider refurbish-ing the other bicycles that are in disarray.”

�e bike was removed for a short time and Lincoln’s love for this artwork became very apparent. Nearly every day, visitors asked where it had gone. Luckily, after some TLC, our much beloved “Good Morning Sun, Goodnight Moon” by Tom Woods is back and inspiring minds of all ages. While looking at the newly re�nished bike Rhonda reminisced – “I have always admired Tom Woods’ art and was excited when I �rst saw Good Night Moon. My grandson used to look at it and say ‘night, night moon!’”

Lincoln Children’s Museum would like to thank the Seacrests for their continued generosity and for helping to inspire a whole new generation of artists.

Some information and quotes from “Where are the Tour de Lincoln bikes?” article, Journal Star, 2011.

Monday, Oct. 194:30 - 7:30 p.m.�is special evening is closed to the general public so families who have children with compromised immune systems have an opportunity to enjoy a special night together away from the home or hospital.

�ese children will have the chance to play in a clean, safe, friendly environment with their parents, siblings, and other children. Shining Star at Lincoln Children’s Museum is designed to make sure children whose health has been compromised by medical conditions don’t miss out on the chance to be a kid.

For event details, contact Jason: [email protected]

Kiwanis DaySunday, Sept. 131:00 - 5:00 p.m. �anks to the generous support of Lincoln Center Kiwanis Club, all guests are invited to enjoy free admission to the museum. Tell your friends and neighbors about Kiwanis Day at Lincoln Children’s Museum!

We’re proud to partner with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers to celebrate kids performing acts of kindness or good deeds during their visit to the Museum.

Show your Museum member card or sticker when you visit Raising Cane’s at 14th and P Streets and 20% of your purchase goes back to the Museum. Lucy • June. 2015

Jim and Rhonda Seacrest with Good Morning Sun, Goonight Moon.

presented byMay L. FlanaganFoundation

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Booking your birthday party at Lincoln Children's Museum is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1) Pick your day.2) Pick your package. Choose from Basic, Deluxe or Ultimate3) Reserve your party.

For more information about party themes or to book your party, visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or call (402) 477-4000.

Imagine how much fun your next holiday party, family reunion, retreat, reception or corporate party could be! �e Museum o�ers a one-of-a-kind entertaining space for both business and after-hours events. To get started, call Jason at (402) 477-4000, ext. 120, or email [email protected]

Every purchase you make at the Museum Store directly supports the exhibits, programs, camps and events you love at Lincoln Children's Museum. �ank you for your support!

play &connect

Tuesdays, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. During the school yearEnjoy a slightly quieter time at the museum while older children are in school. Play & Connect (formerly Tuesday Moms’ Club) gives adults an opportunity to socialize while children forge new friendships. �is gathering is designed for all parents and caregivers with children ages 5 and younger. Museum sta� will be on hand to answer questions and just chat. Play & Connect is free with your Museum membership or paid admission. You are welcome to come and go any time and enjoy free co�ee and treats provided by �e Co�ee House while supplies last.

Twinkle Takeover!Most Lincolnites know this bright yellow face, but Twinkle is about to get bigger; both literally and �guratively.

Twinklegram? �at’s right! �at crazy star has highjacked Lincoln Children’s Museum Instagram (@LincolnChildrensMuseum)! As

soon as Twinkle can get some sel�e skills on point, watch out for an inside look of Twinkle’s glitter-�lled life inside the museum.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s SUPER TWINKLE! �anks to a grant from the

Lincoln Community Foundation, Twinkle’s giant in�atable twin is here and where you see this happy face, fun is sure to follow. If you see this 15 foot star around town, you’ll know the museum is there reminding the capital city about the awesome power of play.

�e museum store is under new management, and you guessed it, it’s Twinkle! Same great store, new name.

Face Paints and Role Play Costumes

Insta

Girl Scout Workshops Are Here! Lincoln Children’s Museum and Girl Scouts of Nebraska are teaming up to provide monthly badge workshops this fall for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes. Workshops occur on the weekends, are 2.5 hours long and include themed activities, a snack and a badge. Register online at www.girlscoutsnebraska.org. 20% off - October 1 - 31

Thank you to ourCorporate Sponsors

Lincoln Children’s Museum1420 P StreetLincoln, NE 68508

MUSEUM HOURS

Mon. Closed

Tues. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wed.

Thur.

9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Save the Dates!

Friday, Dec. 4, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

• Photos with Santa!• Meet your favorite winter costumed characters, including Elsa, Anna, Twinkle and many more!• Live carolers, music and dance performances!• Grand opening of Santa's Workshop in the Discovery Gallery.• "The Polar Express" dramatic story reading and model train display by Lincoln Area Railway Historical Society.• Indoor snowball fight!• Fun Slides® Carpet Skates™ indoor "ice" skating rink. • Experience the outdoor winter wonderland!

Regular admission or museum membership applies. Photos with Santa provided on a �rst come, �rst served basis. Event information at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.

Thursdays: Dec. 10 & 17 • 10 a.m., 5 & 6 p.m.Saturdays: Dec. 5, 12 & 19 • 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2 & 3 p.m.Sundays: Dec. 6, 13 & 20 • 1, 2 & 3 p.m.

A great activity for the entire family. We supply the 15” house frame, frosting & a variety of candies and decorations, you bring the fun.

• $25 for Museum Members • $30 for Non-members (includes 2 free admissions) • Take-home kits available for $25

Registration will be online at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.

You’re Invited!

To:

Date:

Place:

Time:

25th Birthday Bash

Sunday, November 8

Lincoln Children’s Museum

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thank you for supporting our new exhibits.

RogersFoundation

DillonFoundation

WattsElectric

A special thanks to our friends at Hausmann

Construction for helping us with this renovation!

Birthday Bash!Sunday, November 8 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. You are cordially invited to be a part of this landmark event that will commemorate 25 years of learning and play at Lincoln Children’s Museum. �e 25th Birthday Bash will include live entertainment, birthday cake, giveaways, and the new exhibit grand openings starting at 1:30 p.m.

�e Discovery Gallery on the lower level will feature “25 Years of Play.” �is exhibit will be dedicated to all of the people who had a part in bringing a children’s museum to

Lincoln and making it what it is today. �ank you for your support over the past quarter century!

Throwback Pricing: $5 Admission Free for Members

A special place for our youngest visitors. It is important for toddlers to have an opportunity to develop their sense of self, refine their senses and explore. Older siblings and guests are invited inside to read or enjoy quiet time in the Honeycomb Book Nook.

Our biggest exhibit yet will start on the lower level of the museum and stretch nearly 30 feet to the ceiling. Children will enter the climbing tower from the bo�om and help “build” the clock by adding soft foam bricks to the walls. When the chimes sound they can slide down to witness the excitement as the Cuckoo Bird makes his announcement and the bricks come tumbling down.

Grand Opening!•