As the world debates and explores energy alternatives to the use of fossil fuels, Pennsylvania has begun to see the growth of a viable energy industry. The signs of this burgeoning renewable power source are abundant - from commercial "wind farms" visible from the road to colossal wind turbines in transit as they are installed throughout the Commonwealth.

In 2008, State Museum of Pennsylvania photographer Don Giles visited five wind farms to document these 21st century "wind titans."

Click here to view the Wind Titans e-vite.

Located in the 1st Floor Gallery space

An accompanying side exhibit to Wind Titans, this quaint display features models of a self-proclaimed "wind engine" designed by Lancaster County inventor David Herr Bausman.

Located in the 1st Floor Gallery space

On display at The State Museum for a limited time. Designed originally for the 2008 PA Farm Show, these farm animals humorously show how each of us can take simple steps to positively impact our envirionment.

Located in the 1st Floor Gallery space

The State Museum of Pennsylvania welcomes the exhibit Voices: African American and Latina Women Share Their Stories of Success which opens on Saturday, April 11, 2009 and runs through March 7, 2010. This exhibit features the voices of 50 extraordinary women from Pennsylvania – women who persevered and succeeded in spite of the challenges they faced and reached the top of their fields, including law, medicine, communications, business, technology, the arts, education and government as well as the non-profit arena.

Originally conceived as a book published by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women in 2006, Voices was transformed into a museum exhibition by the commission, with assistance from the Senator John Heinz History Center and award winning photographer Darcy Padilla. The book, and the exhibit it inspired, is intended to combat stereotypical images and detail the work necessary to achieve excellence. The life of each woman profiled provides a model for overcoming obstacles and encourages women, and anyone for that matter, to set goals and pursue dreams.

Located in Memorial Hall

April 4, 2009 - June 30, 2010
THE FINE ART OF GIVING: GIFTS OF ART TO THE STATE MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA 1998-2008

A selection of 85 paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and crafts, selected from the more than 400 gifts of art received between 1998 and 2008, will be exhibited at The State Museum through June 2010. Donations of are reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Collections Committee and the Executive Director before acceptance into the permanent collection. Considerations include, but are not limited to: aesthetic and historic importance, relationship to Pennsylvania history, storage availability, physical condition, conservation cost, and/or anticipated future exhibition or educational use.

A tradition of giving by ordinary citizens, begun more than 150 years ago, has formed a collection of important Pennsylvania art. By 1850, donated paintings, prints and sculptures were being displayed in the then new State Capitol in Harrisburg. In 1905, when The State Museum was created, those early gifts of art became the core of the Museum’s art collection. Although The State Museum does not receive a state allocation for the purchase of fine art, today the collection includes 7000 works, dating from 1650 to the present.

The mission of the Art Collection at The State Museum of Pennsylvania is: to collect, interpret and preserve art, created by Pennsylvania artists, or artists who greatly influence the arts in Pennsylvania, or of which the subject has a direct connection to the State’s history and culture.

Through this exhibition, The State Museum gratefully recognizes the donors of the past decade, whose gifts will benefit generations to come.

A listing of the 400 gifts will be available on the web site, www.statemuseumpa.org, as well as images of art donated during the past decade, but not currently exhibited.

Located in the 1st Floor Gallery space

September 5, 2009 - November 29, 2009
STAR STORIES OF THE NATIVE AMERICANS
This traditionally styled planetarium show explores the night sky legends of the Native Americans. Discover how these tales helped to develop an understanding of the night sky and its importance to the Native American people. Hear the stories of the great sky bear, the frog sisters and the pathway of souls. and explore the modern astronomy behind the legends.

September 5, 2009 - November 28, 2009
STARS
Every star has a tale. Some are as old as time, faint and almost forgotten. Others burn bright and end their lives in powerful explosions. New stars are created every day, born of vast clouds of gas and dust. Through every phase of their existence, stars release the energy that powers the Universe. Journey to the furthest reaches of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty & destructive power of STARS.
Trailer (QuickTime)
Trailer (Windows Media)

STARS is a production of Adventure Science Center, Sudekum Planetarium, Nashville, TN

September 5, 2009 - November 28, 2009
HEART OF THE SUN
See the Sun as it has never been seen before. From ancient cultures and the dawning of Aristotelian science, to new space-based telescopes and terrestrial instruments, explore our star with unprecedented clarity. See how the development of our cosmology has been informed by our struggle with this oldest of mysteries. Experience the story that shows how that process continues today.

SHOWCASE SERIES @ RADIUS
September/October 2009
Deck the Halls: Handcrafted Ornaments
Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 12th
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Live Holiday Music • Light Refreshments
Free Holiday Keepsake • Artist Demonstrations