By Brea Cunningham—
MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, in partnership with Muncie Children’s Museum (MCM), invites the community to embark on a three-day journey of celestial wonder with Magic at Minnetrista. This special event, culminating in the rare total solar eclipse visible from Muncie, Indiana, on Monday, April 8, promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.
In an exciting development, both Minnetrista and Muncie Children’s Museum have been awarded grants from the esteemed Simons Foundation. This prestigious recognition is part of the Path of Totality Initiative, dedicated to supporting events surrounding the April solar eclipse. These grants will elevate “Magic at Minnetrista,” ensuring an enriching and immersive experience for all attendees.
Brian Statz, President and CEO of Minnetrista, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “We are deeply honored to receive funding from the Simons Foundation, which will allow us to expand and enrich our total solar eclipse experience for visitors of all ages. With this funding, we aim to create a truly impactful event that celebrates the marvels of the universe while fostering curiosity and appreciation for science and astronomy within our community.”
The total solar eclipse programming at Minnetrista will offer something for everyone to enjoy and discover, with activities ranging from constellation-making and storytelling crafts to solar viewing crown crafting and sensory exploration with MCM staff. Attendees will be immersed in hands-on learning experiences that explore the science behind solar eclipses and delve into the cultural significance of this celestial event. Other highlights include readings from local author Laurie Lunsford, a captivating performance of an original short play from award-winning playwright Jennifer Blackmer, a live performance by Orchestra Indiana, and the total solar eclipse community viewing party.
The grants from the Simons Foundation were made possible in partnership with the Association of Science and Technology Centers based on a competitive application process.
For more information, visit minnetrista.net/solar-eclipse or call 765.282.4848. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information on our exhibits and events.
This work is supported by the Simons Foundation, in partnership with the Association of Science and Technology Centers, and is part of its ‘In the Path of Totality’ initiative. More at inthepathoftotality.org.
