Explore the Game’s Fascinating Connections at the Museum’s Baseball Discovery Zone
(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – As students throughout the northeast enjoy school break weeks during April, the Hall of Fame connects learning and the National Pastime via programming throughout the Museum – including the new Baseball Discovery Zone.
A re-imagined learning space on the Museum’s first floor, the Baseball Discovery Zone features new graphics, lighting, flooring and technology to enhance curiosity and creativity of young learners. Floor-to-ceiling graphic walls feature a ballpark theme as well as Manga-inspired art – a style used in Japanese comics – paying tribute to the Museum’s upcoming Yakyu | Baseball exhibit. An adjacent magnetic wall with a hand-painted cherry tree mural will allow visitors to display their work in the Baseball Discovery Zone, while a redesigned locker area is highlighted by Jackie Robinson’s iconic quote about self-sacrifice as well as a life-size image of Robinson. The new floor features a mosaic of a baseball infield.
The 680-square foot space will host hundreds of students and families every year.
The Museum hosts special daily programs for kids of all ages April 14-25 during break week for many schools. Families can experience unique Museum artifacts and get a guided look at the ties between baseball and American history and culture.
All events are included with Museum admission. The lineup includes:
Plaques of the Galley Tour
April 14-18, 21-25 • 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Beginning at Buck O'Neil Statue
Gain insight into the history of the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery on this 20-minute guided tour. Note: Second Plaques of the Gallery Tour on April 25 begins at 12:30 p.m.
Tools of the Trade Curiosity Cart
April 14-18, 21-25 • 11:30 a.m.
Museum's Third Floor
Explore the evolution of baseball equipment in this interactive cart.
Black Baseball History Spotlight
April 14-18, 21-23 • 12 p.m.
Baseball Discovery Zone, First Floor
Join us in the Baseball Discovery Zone to learn more about Black Baseball through stories and objects.
Baseball and the American President
April 14 • 1 p.m.
Bullpen Theater, 1st Floor
As we celebrate the anniversary of William Howard Taft becoming the first known sitting President to throw out a first pitch, learn about American Presidents and their connection with baseball.
The Life of Jackie Robinson
April 15 • 1 p.m.
Bullpen Theater, 1st Floor
Jackie Robinson burst onto the scene in 1947, breaking baseball's color barrier and bringing the Negro Leagues’ electrifying style of play to the majors. He quickly became baseball’s top drawing card and a symbol of hope to millions of Americans. Join us for a presentation on Jackie Robinson Day throughout baseball as we celebrate the story of Jackie's life.
Exhibit Encounters: Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream
April 18 • 1 p.m.
Chasing the Dream Exhibit, 3rd Floor
Chasing the Dream chronicles Hank Aaron’s life, from childhood through his legendary big league career and post-baseball philanthropy. Aaron rose from humble beginnings to become one of baseball's most well-known icons and an American hero. Join a Museum educator as we explore this exhibit.
Baseball Jeopardy!
April 14-18, 21-24 • 1:30 p.m.
Baseball Discovery Zone, 1st Floor
Test your baseball knowledge in the classic game show with a baseball twist. With categories such as Stadiums, International Baseball and Award Winners, there is something for everyone.
In-Museum programming is subject to change. Seating for all events is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on these and other programs, please visit baseballhall.org/events.
The Museum is also debuting School Resource Kits focusing on women in baseball to support the delivery of the Museum’s Women’s History curriculum. The Women in Baseball School Resource Kit provides materials to support educators in a classroom setting. The curriculum explores diverse women’s stories in the world of baseball and aligns with national learning standards.
The kits are available at no cost to public schools, while supplies last. Resource Kits are available for Intermediate Level (Grades 6-8) classrooms. Specifically, each kit contains books, facsimile objects from the Hall of Fame Archives and Collections, school supplies, printed materials, lesson plans, virtual resources and a 3-D reproduction of an artifact.
For more information or to help support this education initiative, please visit baseballhall.org/education/resource-kits.