Discover the Schenectady Museum

I always find a good deal hard to pass up. I’m very guilty of buying multiple items to save a buck if I can use a coupon. I love a good deal and with the economy the way it is, who doesn’t? Last month a friend informed me that the Schenectady Museum offers free admission the first Sunday of every month between 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Being that I’ve never been there before and the weather wasn’t quite agreeable to play outside, I decided to pack up my family and make the thirty to forty-five minute trip south.

The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium was very easy to find and provided free parking. Although small compared to other museums I’ve been to, I found this one very family friendly and a nice way to spend a few hours. On top of things, a lot of the exhibits were hands on which is wonderful for children. Focusing on all age levels the museum spotlights scientific achievements and discoveries in the Capital Region. All and all it was very intriguing coming from the viewpoint of someone just moving here. One of the most interesting facts I learned on our visit, is the notion that silly putty was discover in Schenectady by GE researcher James Wright in the 1940s. Another hit amongst our friends and family was the exhibit where one would try to move a ball with your brain waves. Some of the other ongoing exhibits in the museum were FETCH!, which is based on a TV show; Wind and Solar Power Interactives, which demonstrates the importance of renewable energy; MRI: Examining the Human, which shows the Capital Regions accomplishments in the health and medical community; and many more exhibits. The museum also has an ongoing calendar of special events and temporary exhibits. As for the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which is an additional cost to the museums admission, I’m afraid my two-year-old was too ornery for us to experience the wonders of space. Hopefully we’ll return soon for another visit when he’s feeling more up to it.

As I said, if you are scratching your head on what to do this coming Sunday, the Schenectady Museum’s Power Hour free admission is a great deal. If you’ve already have plans though, just know if you want to go another day, admission is very economical with children 4-12 at $5 and adults $7.50. Hours are also

Thursday through Friday from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and Saturday – Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. All and all it was nice to discover what scientific achievements were made here in the Capital Region and I suppose it didn’t hurt to spend some educational time with the family.