Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

By Amanda R. Shapin

Daily Arts Writer

Anyone between the ages of 0 and 100 should immediately add Ann Arbor’s Hands-On Museum to their to-do list. While many may initially think the museum is geared only toward kids, it can provide visitors of all ages with hours of fun and learning.

Open since 1982, the museum has seen more than 2.75 million visitors, some driving as much as two hours to check out its always evolving and popular displays. Located close to campus at 220 E. Ann St., those nearby won’t want to pass up the opportunity to drop by for a visit.

Occupying more than 40,000 square feet over four floors, the Hands-On Museum displays a number of exhibits; usually keeping visitors interested for around three hours, but has been known to entertain for up to eight.

While some exhibits feature the fundamentals of science are up all the time, most exhibits are frequently closed. Ranking in popularity, the musical steps (a set of stairs that plays notes as you walk) is a favorite, as well as the stringless harp that allows visitors to play music through breaking laser beams. A new exhibit, The Lyons Country Store, is a 20th century general store that displays actual historical artifacts and brings visitors back to a simpler time before technology, surprising many younger visitors.

“I was reluctant to come, thinking it was more for kids, but it is great and is much more fun than the traditional museum” said Public Health graduate student Jessica Welch, who will soon be leaving Ann Arbor and put the Hands-On museum on her list of fun places to visit before leaving the city. “I recommend coming and make sure to check out the Measure Up exhibit, which interactively measures your physical fitness.”

The museum has also been attracting University classes for years, including physics and language classes, as a creative way for interactive learning. Around every corner is something new to learn about, regardless of a visitor’s age. However, the museum provides much more than a place to learn.

You will never run out of things to talk about with all the amusing exhibits” said Pam Smith, director of public affairs and marketing for the museum.

The museum also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, with the next one coming up on Monday, Martin Luther King Day, with the theme “Science is for Everyone.” Admission will be free all day (normally $7.50 for adults), and there will be two concerts as well as hands-on activities open to the public.

Emphasized at the Hands-On Museum is the volunteer work. Started up by volunteers, this has been vital the museums continued success. Many University students have devoted their time to help out, including spending a day working at the museum.

Anybody looking for a place to spend a non-awkward date, wanting to give back to the community or just searching for a fun way to waste the hours of an afternoon, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum provides guaranteed entertainment.

For more information on admission, museum hours or volunteering visit www.aahom.org or call 995-5439.

Seeing stars: the university's Observatories

By Katie Marie Gates

Daily Arts Writer

Anxious for Spring Break already? Dying to get out of Michigan? Well, before cabin fever sets in, there is one trip you can take without booking a plane ticket. All you have to do is look up.

The stars and planets have fascinated astronomers for centuries because of their mysterious beauty. Three facilities in Ann Arbor, the Detroit Observatory, the Angell Hall Observatory and the University Observatory at Peach Mountain, allow students to think like astronomers, do some stargazing and imagine the outer reaches of the universe.

The Detroit Observatory was built in 1854 under the direction of the University’s first president, Henry P. Tappan. Tappan sought to bring the Prussian education system to the United States and establish a research-based university.

“This was the big initial showcase project,” explained Karen Wight, program coordinator for the University's Detroit Observatory. Tappan would begin the University’s longstanding tradition of research with the study of stars, Wight said.

After receiving funding from 75 donors in the Detroit area, the observatory was named in honor of the city where they all lived rather than after one specific contributor. It now remains on campus as the second oldest building after to the president’s house.

The Detroit Observatory offers two open houses each month for visitors to step back in time and experience the study of astronomy like the scientists of the 1800s.