WHAT:  Every object in our world has a story of how it is made. How People Make Things, a new hands-on exhibition for kids and families opening at the Longmont Museum on May 21, tells that story by linking familiar childhood objects to a process of design and manufacturing that combines people, ideas and technology.

How People Make Things, inspired by the factory tour segments from the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood television series, lets visitors use real factory tools and machines to create objects with four manufacturing processes – molding, cutting, deforming and assembly. Visitors can use a die cutter to make a box and a horse, operate a 3-axis mill to carve a block of wax, assemble parts of a real golf cart and race a robotic arm to see who assembles a replica of the signature Mister Rogers’ trolley faster.

Step into the Main Office, where you can don coveralls, lab coats, aprons, safety glasses, and hard hats to become a factory technician, worker or supervisor. Mold pourable wax, explore vacuum forming and match products to the mold from which they were made.

“This exhibit follows in the footsteps of our series of popular summer exhibitions – Robots Rising, LEGOs, Plains, Trains and Automobiles — that have drawn Northern Colorado families to the Museum over the past four years,” said Wes Jessup, Director of the Longmont Museum. “How People Make Things brings children close to the real stuff, the nuts and bolts of how products are manufactured, which is very easy to feel removed from these days,”

Everyday products featured in How People Make Things include 10,000 Crayola crayons in 90 colors, 10,000 plastic pellets, 300 ice cream cups, stop lights, cooking pans, sneakers, baseball bats, baseball mitts and matchbox cars.

This nationally touring exhibition was created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. In Longmont, local manufacturers including Left Hand Brewery, Seagate, Woodley’s Fine Furniture and more will also be featured in the exhibition.

WHEN:  Opening Event – Saturday, May 21, 10 am – 2pm

Explore the new exhibition and climb on cool construction equipment in front of the Museum, including a frontend loader, bucket truck and backhoe, outside courtesy of Longmont Power & Communications. Crafts for kids, and snacks and drinks served.

Exhibition dates – May 21 – August 28, 2016

MEDIA PREVIEW – Contact Joan Harrold for a private media preview, including an interview with Museum Director Wes Jessup or time to take photo/video the week of May 16.

WHERE:  The Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd. in Longmont, Colorado

COST:      $8 adults, $5 students/seniors, Museum members free, children age 3 and under free
                 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Longmont Museum is a center for culture in Northern Colorado where people of all ages explore history, experience art, and discover new ideas through dynamic programs, exhibitions, and events.  Learn more at www.longmontmuseum.org.