A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village

Lunar Calendar New Year Celebration at the Children's Museum!

2012-01-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 21, 1-4 p.m.

Celebrate the New Year with us again! How you ask? Other countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan celebrate the New Year based on the lunar calendar. We will have cultural crafts representing these countries, plus traditional activities and food samples.
Free with admission.

Year of the Dragon Crafts
Make your own paper dragon or dragon mask and celebrate the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dragon.
Make traditional Chinese lanterns
Chinese New Year coloring pages and activities
Create and play the traditional Korean New Year game of Yut
Share traditional Vietnamese New Year or "Tet" celebrations, including food, dance, and a traditional song sung by a toddler named Mylee (2:30pm with a dance to follow)
Play the traditional Japanese game "Fukuwarui"
Sample traditional Chinese food and snacks for the New Year
Learn to write your name in Chinese characters

Learn, play and celebrate at the children's museum in January!

2012-01-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

DROP-IN EVENTS
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
Monday, January 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Share your dreams for a better world as we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.We will celebrate with crafts and activities, including an optional all-ages service project.
Free with admission.
Lunar Calendar New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 21, 1–4 p.m.
Celebrate the New Year with us again! How you ask? Other countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan celebrate the New Year based on the lunar calendar. We will have cultural crafts representing these countries, plus traditional activities and food samples.
Free with admission.
WINTER PLAYSHOPS & CLASSES
Winter Playshop: Art for the Birds
Thursday, January 26, 10 a.m.–noon
Use seeds and a variety of bird-friendly edibles to create garlands and ornaments that our feathered friends will enjoy on cold winter days. Decorate the Village garden with your creations and take home a few for the birds in your yard. Ages 3–5. $14 members/$27 nonmembers.

Celebrate New Year's Eve Family Fun: A Night on the Nile!

2011-12-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Ring in 2012
with a party fit for a pharaoh!
Travel the Nile and walk like an Egyptian
into the New Year with a lighted ball drop at 9 p.m.

Presenting Sponsor: Foresters
Celebration Sponsor: Oregon College Savings Plan

Entertainment
6:00–8:45 pm
4-H Petting Zoo (Heated Outdoor Amphitheater)
6:45–7:30 pm
Theater Outreach (Heated Outdoor Tent by Back Gate)
7:45–8:45 pm
The Alphabeticians (Heated Outdoor Tent by Back Gate)

Countdown to New Year’s and Ball Drop
Erector Set Stage, 8:45–9:00 pm
Countdown Sponsor: Les Schwab Tire Centers
Food
6:00–8:45 pm
Snacks and treats - Little Gem Store
Hot drinks benefiting 4-H - Outdoor Discovery Center, Amphitheater
Activities
6:00–8:45 pm
Hieroglyphics Room
Hieroglyph necklaces and armbands
Create your own hieroglyphs
Write your name in hieroglyphs
Pyramid Room
Build a pyramid
Pharaoh and Mummy Room
Make a Mummy
Meet King Cluck! (Mummified chicken!)
Egyptian-style face painting
Pharaoh hat making
The Nile Room
Float your boat down the Nile!
(Create a boat out of recyclables and then sail it down our Nile River)
Fish the Nile
View fish of the Nile River!
(Aquarium with fish native to the Nile River)
New Year’s Room
Stalnaker’s Photo Studio family portraits
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Make a New Year’s ball!
New Year’s party hats!
Create photo frames for your family portraits
Look for Bubble Girl!
She will be traveling along the Nile throughout the night.

Winter Break Activities for Kids at the children's museum

2011-12-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 20
Candy Condos
Budding architects can construct and decorate holiday houses with graham crackers, frosting and colorful candies, 10 to 11 a.m./2 to 3 p.m., $15, $10 members.
Popcorn!
Sing, dance and make a popcorn craft, for ages 3 to 5, 1 to 2 p.m., $14, $6 members.
Robotics Lab
Engineering concepts, teamwork and real working robots, for ages 8 to 12, 1 to 4 p.m., $31, $21 members.

Wednesday, December 21
School's Out, Science is In: Try, Try Again
Hands-on activities about the scientific method, 1 to 3 p.m. Free with regular admission.
Tamales in the Kitchen
Make two types of tamales to take home, plus salsa, for ages 6 and older with a parent or caregiver, 1 to 3 p.m. $38 per parent-child, $28 members per parent-child, $7 per additional child.

Wednesday, December 28
School's Out, Science is In: Chemical Reactions
Discover what happens when certain chemicals interact, sometimes with gooey and messy results! 1 to 3 p.m. Free with regular admission

Celebrate New Year's at the children's museum

2011-12-10T12:26:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve Family Fun: A Night on the Nile!

“A Night on the Nile” will be celebrated throughout A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village as families ring in the New Year and party like pharaohs. Travel back in time to ancient Egypt and celebrate from 6 – 9 p.m. on December 31 at Salem’s children's museum.

The evening festivities include live entertainment with a performance by Theater Outreach (www.theateroutreach.org), a Salem-based community theater. A Portland music duo, The Alphabeticians (www.thealphabeticians.com), will entertain with humor, clever songs and interactive elements to delight people of all ages.

The entire museum, transformed into an Egyptian-themed Village, will feature a Hieroglyphics room, Pyramid room, Pharaoh and Mummy room and a Nile room. Each location will provide fun activities that will educate and entertain children of all ages.

Use hieroglyphics to write messages, make mini mummies and build pyramids. Meet King Cluck and create a Pharaoh hat to wear into the New Year. Use recyclable materials to build a boat to float down the ‘mini-Nile’ River, but watch out for the crocs and hippos! The New Year’s room will offer free family portraits by Stalnaker’s Photo Studio. Celebration crafts, including a a New Year’s Ball project, will fill the Village with activities.

Celebrate the New Year with a lighted ball drop from high above on the Erector Set Tower at 9 p.m. sponsored by Les Schwab Tire Centers. The presenting sponsor for the event is Foresters. The celebration sponsor is Oregon College Savings Plan.

Tickets are available at the children’s museum. $5 members / $10 nonmembers / $3 public assistance, ages 1 & 2. No guest passes or other discounts apply. For more information, visit the website at www.acgilbert.org.

Macy's awards $1,000 grant to support ACCESS

2011-11-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

The Village received a $1,000.00 grant from Macy’s to help support Community Partners in Education, a component of the museum’s ACCESS program.
ACCESS (A.C.’s Community Enrichment and Student Support) is our community outreach program designed to give underserved children and their families access to a safe, quality learning environment that “inspires children of all ages to learn and grow through play.” A multifaceted program, ACCESS builds partnerships with Title I schools and nonprofit organizations.
Through Community Partners in Education, the Village offers educational classes on or off-site for half price. Contributions and support from businesses such as Macy’s enable ACCESS to continue providing these valuable educational opportunities to the Title I schools and nonprofit partner organizations within the community.
To learn more, contact Kassie DeMarsh, the museum’s community outreach program coordinator, at 503-371-3631.

ACCESS Program Basics:
Community Cooperation Membership offered to nonprofits and Title I Schools, the CCM consists of: a one year shared membership pass, a free night at the museum for all families/clients of the organization or school and a 30% discount on educational programming.Community Partners in EducationThrough our CPE component, partner organizations choose up to 12 classes at half-price to be conducted at the museum or at their site.
Shelter Outreach Program delivers a series of six classes to families living at two transitional homeless shelters. Each class will be content-appropriate for children ages 2-12, but will also be specifically designed to engage parents and older siblings in the learning process.
Transportation Station provides a low-cost transportation option to ACCESS partners for use during group visits to the museum. To learn more about the ACCESS program, please visit the museum’s website, http://www.acgilbert.org.

Discovery Village Receives $10,000 Grant

2011-09-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the receipt of a $10,000 grant from the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation in support of ACCESS (A.C.’s Community Enrichment and Student Support), the museum’s community outreach program. The award from the Miller Foundation gives two consecutive years of support. The first, made in 2010, also provided $10,000 to the ACCESS program.

ACCESS is our multi-faceted program designed to increase opportunities for under-served children and families to actively participate in the museum and its educational programs. By promoting hands-on learning through museum visitation and enrollment in classes, we aim to further our mission to “inspire children of all ages to learn and grow through play.”

Components of this program include shared memberships and program discounts for nonprofits and their clients, as well as for Title I schools, transportation assistance for large group visits, family shelter outreach, a spring break art program in partnership with Marion-Polk Food Share and bilingual internship opportunities.

Through this outstanding contribution, the Village invites more than 7,000 individuals to learn through play. By providing the museum’s educational resources to partner organizations the museum is not only furthering its mission but also filling a gap in educational opportunities for hundreds of local families. By promoting hands-on learning, the museum encourages children to discover new concepts and to gain confidence in their abilities as they develop to their full potential.

To learn more about the ACCESS program, contact Kassie DeMarsh , Community Outreach Coordinator, outreach@acgilbert.org.

The Thinkers: Kids’ Concert

2011-07-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Thinkers: Kids’ Concert
August 8, noon–1 p.m.
A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village welcomes a new children’s music group, The Thinkers. A self-described “friendship band” with musicians Bo, Moy and more, The Thinkers will perform at the foot of the world’s largest Erector Set Tower on August 8 at noon.

This energetic band is on a nationwide tour performing their debut album entitled, “Oh Zoooty!” They describe their music as a “celebration of past and future music, tradition and inspiration – fresh folk.” The songs are upbeat and rhythmical with fun, easy chorus lines for interactive sing-a-longs. Kids of all ages are tuning in and turning on to The Thinkers— a multimedia pop adventure for all ages.

With songs such as “Froggy Hop” and “Mushy Berry Pie,” The Thinkers will enliven the stage at the children’s museum with summertime tunes that are fresh and engaging. Bring your friends and family for a delightful afternoon of fresh, upbeat music that kids of all ages will enjoy. Sometimes the Thinkers rock, and sometimes they read. Come discover what Oh Zoooty! is all about. For a sample of their delightful tunes go to: http://www.thinkersmusic.com/.

The museum starts a new fiscal year with new leadership

2011-07-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

A change in leadership for the museum’s Board of Directors has recently taken place at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2011.

“It’s great to see the stability of the organization reflected through the Board and Executive Committee. We’re developing new leaders on the Board while current executive committee members renew their commitment, perhaps in a different role,” states Pamela Vorachek, Executive Director.

Amy East, a former lawyer and current stay-at-home mom will replace Shannon Martinez as Board President. East served as Vice President on the board last year. Martinez is stepping down after providing excellent leadership for close to two years. Martinez, a partner at Saalfeld Griggs, PC, will remain on the board as Past President.

Alongside President, Amy East will be Sue Yesilada, of Waddell & Reed, Inc. Yesilada was Secretary and will now serve as Vice President. As an active member of the community Yesilada is also involved in Rotary.

Karma Krause, who works with the Salem-Keizer School District, will be Secretary for the Board. With a background in non-profit membership and marketing she has extensive experience working with the Salem community.

Jerry Purtell, a long-time Salem area CPA, will continue in the role of Treasurer. As a member of the Executive Committee, Purtell brings consistency and years of experience in financial reporting.

The current board has just finished the museum’s strategic plan and changes have been seamless. “The museum is in a great position to extend our reach to more families in the region. I enjoy working with our Board of Directors and appreciate their dedication to the organization,” says Vorachek.

Board members are eager to assist in the cultivation of new programs and to ensure the museum remains financially viable. As board members they participate in strategic planning, fundraising and policy-making for the nonprofit children’s museum.

Museum Staff Learn Their ABCs

2011-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sixteen staff members at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village got back to basics and renewed their first aid and CPR training recently. Under the guidance of trainer Rachel Kofoid of ABC Lifeline, staff were reminded of the importance of ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) during hands-on practice at the museum.

What would you do? Here’s a quick, visual CPR review.

· STANDARD CPR FOR ADULTS - CPR in three simple steps
· CPR FOR CHILDREN - CPR in three steps for small children
· CPR FOR INFANTS - CPR for infants in five simple steps
· CPR FOR CATS & DOGS - CPR instructions for your family pet

Airway, Breathing, Circulation: 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths

Stabilize the head: do not move an injured person.

Apply steady pressure to a bleeding wound.

If someone is choking, use the Heimlich Manuever.

Artists in Action members paint "en plein air" in front of Gilbert House

2011-06-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Artists in Action members, Toni T., Dorothy E. and Maggie S. bring their creativity to the Riverfront Park as they paint "en plein air" in front of children's museum.

The Gilbert House, a watercolor painting in progress by Dorothy E.

Two line drawings of The Gilbert House are rendered "en plein air" as part of the "Paint the Town" series through Artists in Action.

A Bunch of Big Kids

2011-06-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

This week museum staff—22 in all—gathered for teambuilding activities and to review the museum’s strategic plan. Embracing the philosophy that “playing is essential to learning,” staff juggled fuzzy dice and wiggled through hula hoops under the playful guidance of Jennie Madland, current board member and former education director at the museum.

Try this at home! Can you lower a hula hoop with just the tips of your fingers? It's harder than it looks.

Museum staff are expert jugglers. We know how to have fun and learn at the same time!

Teamwork!

Thank you volunteers!

2011-06-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped
make the 16th Annual Garden Tour & Plant Sale
such a success.

Best of the Mid-Valley

2011-05-03T08:58:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Best of the Mid-Valley contest.

We're excited to announce that we received three awards:

Best Place to Take the Kids (gold)

Best Birthday Party Venue (gold)
Want to book an award-winning party?

Best Family Attraction (bronze)

Congrats to our fellow winners!

Bubble Girl at the awards' reception ...

Vote for Us

2011-03-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's time again for the Best of the Mid-Valley contest, an opportunity to vote for your favorite local spots.

A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village has been nominated for 11 categories this year. We'd love to hold onto our current title as "Best Place to Take the Kids" and "Best Birthday Party Venue." We've been the Silver Medal for "Best Family Attraction" for two years running -- help us take the gold this year!

We are nominated for:

Entertainment category
*Best Annual Event (New Year's Eve Family Fun/A.C. Gilbert's)
*Best Place to Take Out of Town Guests
*Best Birthday Party Venue
*Best Place to Propose Marriage
*Best Family Attraction
*Best Historical Building (Gilbert House itself is on the national register of historic places)
*Best Use of Social Media ;-)

Recreation
*Best Place to Take the Kids
*Best Place to Play Outdoors
*Best Place to Volunteer

Professional Services
*Best Nonprofit

Open voting runs through April 10. VOTE DAILY: http://community.statesmanjournal.com/bestof2011/

What fun we had!

2011-03-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

My family and I live in Tucson, but my husband grew up in McMinnville. We visited your museum for the first time back in December while visiting family. What fun we had!

My niece, aged 2, is pictured in two of the photos below. She loved the hands-on, climb-on nature of the museum. So did my very curious 4 year-old son, (pictured with the cow.)

My daughter, age 3 (not pictured) probably spent a half-hour "shopping" and "Checking out" in the little grocery store!

We can't wait to come back during our next visit to Oregon.

Sincerely,

Linda
Tucson, AZ

Sizzlin' Science Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt Winners

2011-03-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

Grace is the winner of the Grand Prize drawing. The prize was a large basket filled with science related games and toys.

Patton was happy to accept the second place prize
from the runner-up prize drawing.

Megan received the third place prize basket in the
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to these Award Winners!

2011-03-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

Tony Sorem received the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Jackie Laris and Christina Mendoza from Kohl's Department Stores
accepted the award for
Great Friends to Kids in the business category.

Jacquie Zeller received the award in the individual category.

Terra Naught received the other award in the individual category.

These award winners were recently announced
during Discover the Wonder,
the museum's annual fundraiser.

Sizzlin' Science Photo Show

2011-02-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

An Eye on the Weather

2011-02-23T09:18:00.001-08:00

Snow is expected, but for the moment the sun is shining on the Outdoor Discovery Center.

We open at 10 am today, so come down and play in our exhibits!

If you can't make it, look ahead at all the fun we have planned
(or download the newsletter to see the next three months at a glance).

Check out some Sizzlin' Science acitivities today!

2011-02-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

Step into the Gilbert Chemistry Lab and make "glowing goo," "instant snow" and more. Dave Stewart-Smith from the American Chemical Society will be at the Amphitheater until 4:00 p.m. demonstrating how to make green eggs and ham and some intense green slime.
Scavenger Hunt forms are due today by 5:00 p.m. So come by and drop off your form then experience experiments with science that sizzles.

Celebrating A. C. Gilbert's Birthday today!

2011-02-15T14:54:00.000-08:00

Everyone that visits today receives a FREE piece of cake to celebrate A.C. Gilbert's 126th birthday.

Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #15

2011-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

Clue #15

I give the "Open" sign its flash.
I'm a Noble Gas, meaning I don't react much with other elements.
It's what enables me to be used inside a glass tube. My bright red color is created when an electric current is sent through the tube.

Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.

Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

Tea and treats were enjoyed by all during today's 'Mommy & Me' Valentine Tea.

Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #14

2011-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Clue #14

Look around you! As the most abundant element in the earth's crust,
you can find me just about anywhere: in the minerals making up the rocks in
the Cascade Mountains, in the bricks and glass of the Carousel,
and even in the polymer plastic of the fake gems you see in the horses' bridles.