FORT WORTH: Learn about one of the oldest civilizations in the world – and now among the most modern – in Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China. The new interactive exhibition features young people from the Hangzhou who introduce Museum visitors and their families to daily life in China. Created by Boston Children’s Museum and sponsored by State Street and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the exhibit opens at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History on Saturday, February 12, 2011. Admission is included with a paid exhibit admission to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: $14 for adults; $10 for children (2-12) and seniors (60+); Museum members are free. Children of Hangzhou will be on display daily in the Museum’s Innovation Gallery through May 8, 2011.
With breathtaking speed China has become a global power. Global transportation and telecommunications have facilitated the fast flow of goods, services and ideas around the world. Children of Hangzhou takes Museum guests behind the headlines to develop an understanding and appreciation of contemporary China through life in Hangzhou. In distinctive Chinese settings, guests “meet” children with different interests, in different environments, and learn what makes them tick. The objective is to dispel stereotypes and “demystify” China.
Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China introduces four children at home, at school, in the library, in the theater, and in the countryside. The Hangzhou young people introduce themselves through media and discuss their daily activities. Guests discover that Chinese life today mixes ancient traditions with modern lifestyles, a way of life that is similar to, and different from, life in North America. The young Chinese featured in the exhibit serve as a bridge to cross-cultural learning. The exhibit incorporates original artwork to present a Chinese aesthetic and deliver an unmistakable impression.
The exhibition is organized into several components:
· Bus Stop, where guests “enter” Hangzhou, China, and “meet” the four children;
· Wu Lin Men Apartments, where guests “meet” Weicheng and his family in their apartment, and learn to cook a birthday meal for his grandmother;
· Yellow Dragon Theater, where guests “meet” Qianyun, who is studying Chinese opera, and join in a performance of White Snake Lady or play traditional instruments;
· Bao Chu Ta Middle School, where guests “meet” Gangzheng at school, learn about the Great Wall, and count on the abacus;
· Pavilion, where guests learn about Chinese writing, poetry, and yin and yang, the traditional worldview of balance and dualities in nature;
· Hangzhou Children’s Library, where guests can check out the latest software and learn about China;
· Huang Tian Fan Village, where guests “meet” Doudou, help her plant rice seedlings with her grandfather, and learn how two thirds of people in China live – on the land.
Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China was created by the Boston Children’s Museum for the Youth Museum Exhibit Collaborative in partnership with a distinguished advisory board of Chinese community members, academic specialists and artists. Colleagues in Hangzhou, Boston’s Chinese sister city, helped prepare the exhibition.
About The Museum:
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is an institution dedicated to life-long learning anchored by its rich collections. The Museum engages school children and adult visitors through creative, vibrant programs and exhibits interpreting science and the history of Texas and the Southwest. The new $80 million campus, opened in November 2009, marking the culmination of an extensive multi-year fundraising campaign. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Days. For more information about the Museum visit http://www.fortworthmuseum.org/ or call 817-255-9300.
About Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum exists to help children understand and enjoy the world in which they live. It is a private, non-profit, educational institution that is recognized internationally as a research and development center and pacesetter for children’s exhibitions, educational programs and curriculum. Boston Children’s Museum incorporates two strategies – engaging families and building communities – to impact five outcome areas for children: Creative Kids, Curious Kids, Global Kids, Green Kids and Healthy Kids. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found at http://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/.
About State Street
State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) is the world’s leading provider of financial services to institutional investors including investment servicing, investment management and investment research and trading. With $15 trillion in assets under custody and $2 trillion in assets under management at March 31, 2008, State Street operates in 26 countries and more than 100 geographic markets worldwide. For more information, visit State Street’s web site at www.statestreet.com. A long-time supporter of Boston Children’s Museum, State Street has contributed $750,000 to support the “Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China” exhibit. For more information, visit State Street’s web site at http://www.statestreet.com/.
About National Endowment for the Humanities
Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities. NEH grants enrich classroom learning, create and preserve knowledge, and bring ideas to life through public television, radio, new technologies, museum exhibitions, and programs in libraries and other community places. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available on the Internet at http://www.neh.gov/.
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