Tucked into the hillside along the river in Yonkers, the Hudson River Museum has been showing art, history and science exhibits for more than 75 years. Along with several galleries, the museum also includes the Andrus Planetarium and the 1876 Glenview Mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While full of remarkable, educational exhibits, the museum is small enough that it doesn’t overwhelm youngsters. There are currently two extraordinary quilt exhibits. The first, which runs through January 5, 2003, is entitled America from the Heart: Quilters Remember September 11, 2001. This stirring collection features 30 quilts — several created by area artists — that convey our struggle to cope with the day’s tragic events and the strength of the American spirit. The second, Quilts: A Window to the Past, runs through January 20. On a recent visit to the museum with my 7-year-old and her 12-year-old friend, the girls marveled at the craftsmanship displayed in the quilts, and were particularly moved by the September 11 quilts. Their favorite part, though, was the Glenview Mansion, where they learned about what life was like in the 1800s. Glenview was designed as a country home for the family of New York City financier John Bond Trevor. Seven rooms in this historic home have been painstakingly restored to reflect their lives. Only two rooms have barriers, so you’re free to get up close to all the furnishings and objects of the day in the other rooms. (It is still a museum, however, so you’ll probably have to remind the kids not to touch). Be sure to look up when you’re in the Great Hall so you don’t miss the enormous stained glass skylight. Upstairs in the mansion, amidst spectacular views of the Hudson, are oil paintings of the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape. After our imaginary trip back in time, the children were ready for something out of this world, which is just what we found at the Andrus Planetarium. The planetarium has been part of the museum since 1969 and offers several different star shows for various ages. We saw ‘Rusty’s Rocket’, an informative 45-minute program about the planets, gravity and space exploration. Though recommended for ages six and up, younger children would probably also enjoy rooting for Rusty as he travels through space. The Hudson River Museum has one of the most unique gift shops you’re ever likely to see. Designed by pop artist Red Grooms in 1979, it looks like an animated city scene, and at first glance you may mistake it for an exhibit. This month, the museum begins previewing its new permanent exhibit, Riverama, a hands-on, interactive experience to teach about the Hudson River and its complex ecosystem. The planetarium will begin its new show, ‘River Through Time’, on January 17.
December Special Events • American Indian Celebration: On December 1, from 12:30-4:30pm, the museum is celebrating the traditions of American Indians. Members of three Hudson Valley tribes will be on hand for storytelling, cooking foods over an open fire, making jewelry and cornhusk dolls, and performing tribal dances and songs. • Holiday Tree Decorating: Come see the holiday trees on display from December 8-January 5. Members of Westchester’s ethnic organizations “adopt” evergreen trees and decorate them with ornaments from their homelands. • Holiday Party: On December 15, from 12:30-4:30pm, join a holiday party, Victorian style, at the Glenview Mansion. Enjoy hot mulled cider and cookies as the Coventry Carolers get you into the holiday spirit. You will also be able to create mini-quilts and paper story quilts that you can use as ornaments or package decorations. • Tis’ the Season: Every weekend in December, beginning on the 7th, the Andrus Planetarium presents this special holiday star show that examines world traditions for the year’s longest night and the Star of Bethlehem.
Museum Information Open Wednesday through Sunday from noon-5pm. The planetarium is open till 8pm on Fridays. Located at 511 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers. Admission is free for museum members, $5 for adults, $3 for children 4-12 and seniors. Children under 4 are free. Additional fee for planetarium shows. The museum has a café. For more information, visit www.hrm.org or call (914) 963-8558.
