Springfield (MA)—The Springfield Museums might be closed, but the staff is working on a number of ways to stay engaged with visitors. The Museums added a new page to their website expressly for engagement even if visitors cannot visit in person: https://springfieldmuseums.org/about/updates/, which they have titled Explore the Springfield Museums.
“We miss our visitors and hope everyone is keeping safe!” said Kay Simpson, President and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “We are aware that many people are working and learning from home. With so much here to share, we thought it would be great to post what we can on our website and via social media.”
Activities include offerings from the staff at the Museums’ interactive centers: The Cat’s Corner, The Smithsonian Spark!Lab, and The Art Discovery Center. Videos include science, art, and family activities featured on MassAppeal as well as videos produced by the Museums’ Staff.
“The science team leapt at this opportunity to connect with our visitors digitally,” said Mike Kerr, Principal, Innovative Advancement & Integration, Science Museum. “We will be adding to the wonderful videos about Safari Dan, created by our aquarist Dan Augustino and social media coordinator Diana West. We hope to give our visitors a lot to think about and do while they are at home, and have a little fun while they’re at it!
The website the Museums created to explore Dr. Seuss’s childhood in Springfield (www.SeussInSpringfield.org) is a particularly good resource for people at home, added Simpson. “The site is filled with interactive games that help viewers learn about Ted Geisel’s childhood, family, and the many influences his hometown of Springfield may have had on him.”
“Our social media coordinator, Diana West, is pumping out wonderful content to share via various channels,” Simpson added. Visitors can connect via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. The Museums also have an active Blog, added Simpson.
“We have been known for 160 plus years as the People’s College—a place to discover curiosity while surrounded by wonderful things to see and do,” Simpson said. “We will strive to fill that role virtually until we can see everyone in person again.”
About The Springfield Museums
THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated consortium of museums includes the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the first and only museum dedicated to the beloved children’s book author and Springfield native.
The Museums are temporarily closed in response to the community health effort to slow and stem the spread of COVID-19. We will open again with great celebration once it is safe to do so.
For More Information:
Karen Fisk, Director of Marketing and Communication Strategy
413-263-6800, ext. 459
