Butterflies! Free Family Event

Butterflies! Free Family Event

SPRINGFIELD – Children can participate in a butterfly release of over 100 live Painted Lady butterflies on June 25 at the Illinois State Museum at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., as part of  Butterflies!, a free family event. From 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. visitors will have the opportunity to see displays of the Illinois State Museum’s extensive collection of butterflies and moths from around the world and participate in crafts and activities. There will be live entertainment at noon and 1:00 p.m. Through this free event, children and families will celebrate and expand their knowledge about butterflies and moths.

Families will have a chance to learn about “The SECRETS of Butterflies” at noon and 1:00 p.m. with educator Julie Ann Bice. Known as “Madame Butterfly,” Ms. Bice is a passionate teacher of science and literature at West Prairie Middle School in Colchester, Illinois and an adjunct instructor at Monmouth College. During this interactive program the audience will learn about the flowers, tastes, and colors butterflies love; the Monarch life-cycle through song and dance; and how to raise a Monarch caterpillar.

Activities will include crafts such as making origami butterflies and a life-cycle mobile, as well as searching for butterflies in exhibitions via the cell phone game SCVNGR. Visitors will also try their identification skills as they look for endangered and threatened butterflies and moths and learn about the differences between the two insects.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

11: 00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Ongoing displays of butterflies and moths, crafts, and activities

11:00   Live Butterfly release

12:00   Secrets of Butterflies, Museum Auditorium, presented by Julie Ann Bice

1:00     Secrets of Butterflies, Museum Auditorium, presented by Julie Ann Bice

2:00     Live Butterfly release

The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, learning, and an appreciation of Illinois’ natural, cultural, and artistic heritage. The Museum’s extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S. Spring Street (the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets) in Springfield, and is open

General Information

Illinois State Museum
Founded 1877
The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, learning, and an appreciation of Illinois' natural, cultural, and artistic heritage.
General Information: (217)782-7386
Director's Office: (217)782-7011
Interim Museum Director: Michael Wiant
Press Contact: michael.wiant@illinois.gov