The San Bernardino County Museum

10/20/2007 - Multi-cultural Celebration at the County Museum

The San Bernardino County Museum will present a Multi-cultural Celebration of Ancestors Day on Saturday, October 20 from 11am to 4pm. The event is especially for families and will offer a meaningful cultural enrichment opportunity both adults and children can enjoy. It is open to the public. As an added feature, admission to the museum will be half price for all visitors.

The day's events and activities will include an opening Maori welcome or Karanga presented by Wikitoria Meha Lovett and John Winslade. There will also be dance performances by Danzas de Aztlan, and the Moya Lani Dance Studio, and members of the Glendale Buddhist Temple will demonstrate and teach dances that celebrate ancestors. The Nexwetem basket-weavers will demonstrate their techniques, and Monica Arce-Archuleta will present information on Native American traditions related to the celebration of ancestors.

Visitors are encouraged to come and share their own personal, community, and cultural traditions of remembrance through the story circles that will be going on throughout the day. Visitors will be able to chat informally with Dr. Hossain from the Islamic Center in Redlands about Muslim traditions of remembrance, and Cheryl Brown from the Black Voice Newspaper will be on hand to share information about the "Steps to Freedom" program, designed to honor and commemorate those involved in the Underground Railroad and its California connection.

Gena Philibert Ortega, genealogist, and Donie Nelson, from the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America - Southern California Chapter will share information about researching family history, both here in the United States and abroad.

Art activities for all ages related to the celebration will be facilitated by the museum education division and community volunteers. Vitas Innovative Hospice Care will also provide a special Calendar of Remembrance where visitors can place the names of their loved ones who have gone before.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Museum admission this day will be half off. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669.

The San Bernardino County Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services' telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 or TDD (909) 792-1462.

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