NORWICH, N.Y. – Step away from screens and step back in time as the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) brings global play day to life with a frontier twist! CCHS joins Nickelodeon and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) for “Our World: Worldwide Day of Play” on Sept. 26, kicking off the fun with A “Very Prairie” Party.
Dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this day focuses on getting kids and families up, out, and playing around. Held at CCHS – 45 Rexford St., Norwich – this event will feature a live, interactive musical performance by regional favorite Jenni Larchar from 10:30–11:30 a.m., along with play-based activities throughout the day at Ward School No. 2. Larchar’s program will include music and fun for all ages inspired by the “Little House on the Prairie” series.
Larchar, the beloved voice behind “Jenni’s Music” of Sherburne, is known throughout the region for interactive preschool programs, symphonious vocal performances, personalized music lessons, and a vast performance repertoire. She recently produced the popular children’s series A “Very Prairie” Summer, and she directed the 2024 award-winning Sherburne Music Theater Society production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which earned eight commendations from the Theatre Association of New York State.
New this year, CCHS joins communities across the country in celebrating “We Want More History!” This national initiative, taking place Sept. 25–27, features community organizations such as historic sites, libraries, museums, and parks. Designed to build community engagement, strengthen civic health, and showcase the essential role of history in public life, “We Want More History!” connects people with the stories of the places they call home.
“We are so excited to be hosting ‘Jenni’s Music’ again at CCHS,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “What better way to explore history and be playful here at the museum than through A ‘Very Prairie’ Party with Jenni? This opportunity to learn and experience our museum promises to be fun for kids of all ages.”
“Play is a powerful experience that enriches people’s lives in museums, schools, homes, and beyond,” said Arthur G. Affleck, III, executive director of the ACM. “ACM is pleased to partner with Nickelodeon on amplifying the importance of play on wellbeing and healthy brain development, and to make learning more effective and joyful for everyone. We believe in the power of play and we strive to nurture more play and playful learning everywhere we go.”
First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture – its unique traditions and noteworthy stories. CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. While there is no charge for A “Very Prairie” Party, CCHS welcomes contributions to support future operations. Visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other CCHS programs.
“Our World: Worldwide Day of Play” is part of Nickelodeon’s Our World global initiative to inspire kids and provide them with tools to activate their individual and collective agency. As part of a network of more than 1,500 museums participating in Museums for All – a national access initiative that ACM manages – CCHS is a vital collaborator in the “Our World: Worldwide Day of Play.” For more information, visit www.childrensmuseums.org/dayofplay.
Founded in 1962, the ACM is the world’s foremost professional society supporting and advocating on behalf of museums that prioritize serving children and families, and those who work at and otherwise sustain them. With more than 500 members in 50 states and 13 countries, the ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination.
Nickelodeon, now in its 49th year, is the number one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing, and feature films. For more information visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.
“We Want More History!” is organized by the American Historical Association, Organization for American Historians, American Library Association, Urban Libraries Council, American Association for State and Local History, Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Association for the Study of African American Life and History, National Council for the Social Studies, National Council on Public History, Explore Kentucky, and Yale University’s Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition.
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Caption: The Chenango County Historical Society celebrates “We Want More History!” and “Worldwide Day of Play” with A “Very Prairie” Party from 10:30–11:30 a.m. on Sept. 26. Featuring local favorite “Jenni’s Music,” the program includes music and fun for all ages inspired by the “Little House on the Prairie” series. Children and families are also invited to take part in other play-based activities available at Ward School No. 2 throughout the day.
About CCHS: The mission of the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) is to explore the culture of Chenango County through preservation and presentation of our local heritage.
