On a foggy, gray Maine day, we headed for the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine. We escaped the very crowded first floor and went upstairs where, much to our surprise, the crowds were fewer and the exhibits more fun! After seeing the space shuttle simulator, we were happy to find a cool area about families in Maine. The title, “We are Maine” highlights the many ethnicities Maine families encompass through video from children’s point of view, as they explain their family’s special customs and traditions. I could’ve sat and watched these for an hour — they have 20 videos, each several minutes in length. Really enjoyable and simple for kids. Here is how the museum explains this exhibit area:
Learn about the connections that Maine families have to countries around the world. Twenty Maine kids with roots in countries around the world show you some of the unique traditions they share with their families, as well as some things that make them just like you! Use the “Share Your Story” kiosk to share your own family rituals, and try out games, foods and traditions from around the globe.
In addition to this, the culture highlighted currently in 3 small exhibit areas depicts an Indian family’s home. That piqued the interest of our family of course and Jasmine (age 6) enjoyed playing in the kitchen area with the Indian cookware and seeing the spices displayed.
I think it’s impactful — and this is what I LOVE about children’s museums — to bring a person physically inside an environment allowing them touch and feel and see things up close. And to bring a child into another family’s home whose decor and utensils and food may be new is an effective way to make the unfamiliar familiar!
Has anyone seen this type of exhibit at another children’s museum?
Me On A Tee
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