A Night at the Museum, inspired by a popular film, was held at the Albany Museum on Saturday evening.
Fifteen local children and their parents gathered around excitedly, armed with blankets, snacks and torches in The Hall of Birds for an hour of storytelling and exploring the museum in the dark.
A Night at the Museum, inspired by a popular film, was held at the Albany Museum on Saturday evening.
Fifteen local children and their parents gathered around excitedly, armed with blankets, snacks and torches in The Hall of Birds for an hour of storytelling and exploring the museum in the dark.
“This is the first time we are doing this,” said Catherine Lambley, head of the museum’s department of Education.
“We plan to hold it on the last Saturday of every month.” She said that these sessions will also serve as an outreach programme as they are planning to include children from Eluxolweni Shelter next time.
Jon Campbell, the co-manager of Pick n Pay has donated five torches to the museum to be used by the children from Eluxolweni.
The children first gathered around Lambley to hear her read stories, including Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and The Little Princess. Lambley read to the children with much enthusiasm, grabbing their attention with her animated voice and by eagerly showing them the illustrations.
Seven-year-old Amina Kouari, enjoyed listening to the stories and was excited for the next part. “I’m looking forward to when it goes dark and when we can use our torches,” she said.
Her mother, Karen, was pleased with the event. “It’s something new. In Grahamstown there’s not a lot to do with our kids. This introduces kids to the museum,” she said.
The children were then given the opportunity to explore the museum in the dark. “This is the exciting part,” said a volunteer. “They look like they’re having fun.”
A Night at the Museum hopes to renew interest in the museum, especially among young children. Lambley said that she hoped more people will attend the next session at the end of March.
