Courtesy Photo. Visit the Maryland Science Center this weekend for Starball and Pluto Day, an out-of-this-world event.

Published on: Wednesday, February 17, 2010

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Starball & Pluto Day

The Maryland Science Center will present an out-of-this-world weekend, Friday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 21, by hosting the musical planetarium show “Starball” and making a big deal about a dwarf planet at “Pluto Day.”

Starball will be performed in the Maryland Science Center's Davis Planetarium Friday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. and 5:40 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. Davis Planetarium seating is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Courtesy Photo. Visit Morris Arboretum for its Witchhazel event Sunday, Feb. 28.

On Saturday, Feb. 20, the Maryland Science Center will celebrate Pluto Day from Noon to 4 p.m.

Visitors can learn about the controversy surrounding Pluto's classification as a dwarf planet, vote on whether Pluto should be once again classified as a planet, learn about the New Horizons mission to Pluto, win prizes in the Pluto scavenger hunt, bring your camera for a Pluto-themed photo souvenir and build a model of Pluto's moon system with marshmallows.

Starball and Pluto Day are free with paid admission to the Maryland Science Center.

The Maryland Science Center is located at 601 Light Street at Baltimore's Inner Harbor.  For information and tickets, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org or call the 24-Hour Information Line at 410-685-5225, TDD: 410-962-0223. Pluto Day and the appearance of Starball is possible through a grant from The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and the NASA mission New Horizons, now on its way to Pluto.

More information on Starball can be found at http://www.starball.org/. A video introduction is available at http://mdsci.org/events-calendar/events/Starball.html

Spend the Weekend with Lincoln in Gettysburg

On Feb. 26-28, join the Bed and Breakfasts INNSide Gettysburg for a tour of sites visited by President Abraham Lincoln in November 1863 when he delivered the Gettysburg Address.

Start by checking into your bed and breakfast on Friday and take part in an evening of activities. Wake up Saturday morning and tour the historic Gettysburg Train Station where Lincoln arrived in town and the David Wills House where he spent the night on Nov. 18 and put the finishing touches on his famous speech.

Both properties are restored and give an interesting preview to the Saturday afternoon tour with Rob Frampton, Licensed Battlefield Guide, who will take guests on a walking tour of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. Each couple will receive an autographed copy of his book, "Lincoln and the Human Interest Stories of the Gettysburg National Cemetery."

Location: Gettysburg, Pa.

Contact: www.gettysburg.travel/event.asp

Witch hazel event

On Sunday, Feb. 28, 12-2 p.m., grab your family and head over to the Morris Arboretum for a day of outdoor fun and garden exploration.

Follow the prepared treasure hunt to discover the many varieties of witchhazels growing at Morris Arboretum. Ranging in color from yellow and orange to pink and red, witchhazels are some of the first harbingers of spring, and the Arboretum's witchhazel collection is unparalleled in the area.

The treasure hunt will invite visitors to compare the different varieties' beautiful flowers and take in their heady scent. After the hunt, treat yourself to a hot chocolate and cookie at Bruno's Café in the Lower Gallery, and then return to the Visitor Center to make a fun craft.

This event is free with regular admission and registration is not required.

Location: Philadelphia, Pa.

Contact: www.morrisarboretum.org

Black History Month Activities at Mount Vernon

In observance of Black History Month, Feb. 1 - 28, Mount Vernon interpreters highlight at the slave quarters the lives and contributions of the slaves who built and operated the plantation home of George and Martha Washington from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

A wreath-laying and presentation occurs daily at the slave memorial site at 12 p.m. throughout the month of February.  A daily 1 p.m. Slave Life at Mount Vernon tour explores the work and home life of the slaves. 

On Saturdays and Sundays in February from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors learn about life as a slave with "Silla" or "Slammin' Joe," two of Washington's slaves, at the slave cabin.  Black History Month activities are included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15; children ages 6-11, $7; and children under 5 are admitted free.

The daily wreath-laying at the slave memorial remembers and recognizes slaves for their sacrifices, accomplishments and contributions. Located approximately 50 yards southwest of George Washington's tomb, the slave memorial is near the slave burial ground.

Contact: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); Visit.MountVernon.org.

Location: Mount Vernon, Va.