LICM Celebrates Tenth Anniversary on Museum Row

Since its move to Museum Row in February 2002 the Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) has been entertaining families from near and far with interactive exhibits, exciting programs and dynamic theater performances.

What started as a small demonstration site on Stewart Avenue in 1993 has grown into a 40,000 square foot nationally recognized and ever changing destination for families.

When thinking how to celebrate 10 years on Museum Row, LICM knew it wanted something interactive like the museum itself. The answer is a collaborative workshop during the February break week to help celebrate the anniversary.

Titled “Tin for Ten,” the workshop will take place Feb. 20-24 from 1-4 p.m. It is open to all ages and free with museum admission. Using the tradition of giving tin or aluminum gifts for a tenth anniversary as inspiration, visitors will be invited to use an array of tin, aluminum and other shiny materials to add to a growing collaborative sculpture.

LICM will also be partnering with Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank for a “Birthday in a Bag” drive. Visitors will be encouraged to bring items such as birthday cake mix, frosting, cake pans and other birthday party necessities that will be donated to families in need. Donations must be new and unopened and can be dropped in bins in the outer lobby of the museum Feb. 18-26. Museum admission is not required to drop off the donation.

“People tend to think about donating to food banks during the fall holiday season but often forget that the need is a year-round one,” LICM president Suzanne LeBlanc said. “And when we prepare donation items, how many of us have ever thought to include birthday candles or cake mix so that a struggling family could provide their child with a simple birthday celebration.”

The decision for the museum to host this food drive was a natural, Le Blanc notes. “We see so many birthdays spent here at LICM so we thought this would be a great opportunity to teach children about ways to give back and also celebrate our ‘10th Birthday on the Block.’”

February break week is one of the museum’s busiest times of year. Workshops and theater performances are planned for each day of the week. Visit www.licm.org for a complete list of programs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.