State Historical Society of Iowa Press Release

“Spring Break into History” at the State Historical Museum

Spring Break activities scheduled for March 15-25

DES MOINES – The Department of Cultural Affairs invites Iowans to the State Historical Museum of Iowa this month for a variety of history-related programs and activities.

“Spring Break into History” activities will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 15-25, 2012, at the State Historical Museum, 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines.

“Parents, grandparents, childcare providers and learners of all ages are always looking for engaging and fun places to take children during Spring Break,” Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie said. “We have planned a variety of activities that appeal to all ages. I encourage Iowans and visitors to enjoy all the Museum has to offer.”

Prizes will be given to children exploring exhibits and solving questions on special artifacts and investigating and identifying mystery items. Kids can also create a quilt craft to take home and play traditional games and toys. Daily children’s films will be shown at noon along with story time with fun, history-related books.

In addition, the State Historical Museum Store will have a Spring Break sale with 25 percent off every item, and craft supplies will be on sale 1:30-3:30 p.m. March 22-23, 2012, in Heritage Classroom C at the Museum. Enjoy great deals on a variety of craft supplies with all proceeds benefiting Museum educational programs.

Also in the mood for spring, Café Baratta’s created a new menu with all new delicious lunch entrees such as Beef Teriyaki Salad, Grilled Portabella Cap with Grilled Polenta, Homemade Seafood Ravioli in a Lemon Basil Butter Sauce and a Children’s Menu.

Admission to the State Historical Museum of Iowa is free and open to the public. Visit www.iowahistory.org or call 515-281-5111 for hours of operation or more information.

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The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state’s interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the General Assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.