Family Pride Day Debuts at Springfield Museums
Springfield (MA)—Springfield Museums is proud to present Family Pride Day from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, June 11. This new event is a celebration of diversity, equality, and family, featuring a rainbow of activities for all ages. Free with museum admission!
“There are wonderful celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride throughout the Valley. We wanted to celebrate especially with the audience we serve the most: Families!” said Clarissa Leverich, Family Engagement Coordinator. “We will celebrate the beauty and potential of each and every child and emphasize that difference is a plus. Celebrating diversity helps us all see with an openness and empathy that leads to discovery, innovation, and positive change.”
The seeds of the Family Pride Day event were planted when SarahRose Adan, Spark!Lab Coordinator and STEM educator, noted during a staff meeting that there are many Pride celebrations for adults and some for children, but not too many that emphasize family. “For children who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, the support and love of their family and community is essential to their wellbeing,” Adan said. Adan, who identifies as Pansexual, worked together with Leverich and other Museums staff to craft a day that celebrates the tremendous strength gained from a family united by love of their children.
The day has a rainbow theme in solidarity with the rainbow flag that shows LGBTQ+ pride. The colors reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Using a rainbow flag as a symbol of gay pride began in San Francisco, and eventually became common at LGBTQ+ events worldwide.
“As a museum that also celebrates science,” Adan said, “we will explore light and color, along with other fun activities that celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community!
The Museums will feature a station called Tree of Voices, where visitors can write a message and share their personal truth.
“We serve all children and all families here at the Museums and we hope that many will join us for this special day that states clearly: Be proud to be YOU!” Leverich said.
Special Events
Drag Queen Story Time, 12:45 pm and 2 pm
Enjoy a fun story with our special guest Patty Bourrée of Drag Queen Story Hour.
Meet the Cat in the Hat, 11 am-1 pm & 2-4 pm
Come snap a selfie with the Cat in the Hat and get a high-five!
Ongoing Activities (11 am to 3 pm, unless noted)
Representation Matters
Meet our Roaming Scientist and Spark!Lab Coordinator and learn more about LGBTQ+ scientists and inventors throughout history.
The Giant Eye
Explore the parts of the human eye and how it helps us see colors.
Rainbow Paper Hearts
Make a rainbow heart to keep or give to someone you love. (12-4 pm)
Community Weaving
Add your threads to this community tapestry.
Scratch Art
Express yourself with vivid lines and designs.
Pride Buttons
Wear your Pride! Make a custom button with your own message.
Tree of Voices
Write a message and share your truth.
Springfieldmuseums.org, One Admission/Five Museums,
including the one and only Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Parking is always FREE
About The Springfield Museums
THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated consortium of museums includes the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the first and only museum dedicated to the beloved children’s book author and Springfield native.