We are setting aside an entire month to focus on the joy Dr. Seuss brought to learning to read!—Jenny Powers, Family Engagement Coordinator for the Springfield Museums
The Springfield Museums present Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! A month-long celebration of Springfield-native Theodor Seuss Geisel, the author who revolutionized learning to read by making it fun!
Before the pandemic, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Party would draw one of the biggest crowds in a single day to the Museums. To help stay at a safe capacity and allow for social distancing, the Family Engagement Team chose to spread the celebration out over an entire month. “We are setting aside an entire month to focus on the joy Dr. Seuss brought to learning to read!” said Jenny Powers, Family Engagement Coordinator. The celebration will also include an interactive game for families and opportunities to win a free book in the “31 Books in 31 Days: Hats Off to Reading Book Giveaway.”
ACTIVITIES
Beep and Greet, Saturday, March 6, from 1-5 pm
From the social distance of your car, wave to your favorite Seussian characters—The Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and the Grinch: “We hope everyone will wear a funny hat to wave at the Cat in the Hat as they say hello!” said Powers. The Beep and Greet will take place in the parking lot adjacent to the Welcome Center. All cars must be in line by 4:15.
A Seussian Quest
This discovery activity is geared to children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers. Pick up a paper guide for clues leading visitors around the Seuss Museum and over to the Science Museum in pursuit of hats, elephants, turtles, and a few surprises. All participants get their own set of crayons.
Book Giveaway
Capping off the celebration is “31 Books for 31 Days: Hats Off to Reading Book Giveaway.” In order to be included in this random-drawing giveaway, visitors must share a message to the Museums about the book they read that day and/or their favorite Dr. Seuss Book by dropping their entry into the Book Giveaway box in the Art Discovery Center. This reading celebration is presented along with the Springfield Library’s Reading Success by Grade 4 program. One book per family. “Every child deserves their own book to practice their reading,” Powers said. “We are so excited about this giveaway.”
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Laura Sutter, Program Coordinator for the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss, also has engaging activities planned for all visitors. “We will have a variety of activities ready for visitors in The Cat’s Corner! I am so excited to celebrate together!”
Educational Programing
The Museums also offer wonder-filled learning programs both in person and virtually. For more information on the PODs (Programing on Demand), Virtual Tours, and Dr. Seuss Program Packs please contact Laura Sutter at lsutter@SpringfieldMuseums.org.
A Virtual Birthday Celebration
Knowing not everyone is ready or able to return in person to the Museums, we want to offer a way to celebrate from home. The Virtual Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration webpage will feature activities from past Dr. Seuss Birthday Parties at the Springfield Museums plus new video from Prof. Knows A Lot explaining how to read a recipe. Don’t miss the fun! This virtual page will launch on March 2, Dr. Seuss’s Birth Day!!! See SpringfieldMuseums.org for details.
For those able to visit in person, throughout the Museums, visitors will find surprise spots that celebrate Dr. Seuss. Be on the lookout for cakes and characters and so much more!
“We’re hosting a celebration filled with discovery and FUN!” said Powers. “We hope lots of people join us!”
Please note that while the birthday activities will be open to all visitors, timed tickets for the Dr. Seuss Museum will sell out fast–order advance tickets today!
Beep and Greet sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.