Join the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and Improve Norwich Now (INN) on Sept. 27 for this year’s “Our World: Worldwide Day of Play” celebration, including the official kick-off for this fall’s “One Community, One Book,” along with interactive family programming by “Jenni’s Music.” Focused on getting kids and families up, out, and playing around, this year’s local festivities are being underwritten by Visions Federal Credit Union.(Submitted photo)

NORWICH – On Sept. 27, the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and Improve Norwich Now (INN) invite children and families to celebrate “Our World: Worldwide Day of Play,” a global event made possible by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and Nickelodeon. Dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this annual tradition focuses on getting kids and families up, out, and playing around.

The official kick-off of “One Community, One Book” will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the museum campus, located at 45 Rexford St., Norwich. A community literacy initiative presented twice a year by INN, everyone in Chenango County is encouraged to read the same book and participate in themed activities. The goals of “One Community, One Book” are to foster a shared experience, encourage dialogue, and bring people together through a love of reading.

The featured title for this fall’s “One Community, One Book” is Suzanne Bloom’s “What About Bear?” In this beloved children’s story, Bear and Goose are having fun during playtime. As Little Fox joins in, someone gets left out, and feelings are hurt as a result. “What About Bear?” helps children of all ages appreciate that friendships can be shared experiences when everyone is included.

“Creativity in Bloom: The Storied Illustrations of Suzanne Bloom” is the museum’s current Community Gallery exhibit. This career retrospective includes exclusive art created by Chenango County’s own award-winning children’s author and illustrator. Honored with a 2006 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, Bloom has twice been selected for the Texas 2×2 list of 20 best picture books. She has spent the past 40 years living and working in McDonough.

Throughout the “One Community, One Book” kick-off, Bloom will offer readings and book signings. Local community organizations will host free craft projects and games. Visitors are welcome to purchase lunch from the food truck “Joe’s Food Shack.”

Morning festivities culminate with an interactive program featuring local favorite “Jenni’s Music,” an annual “Worldwide Day of Play” tradition at CCHS being sponsored this year by Visions  Federal Credit Union. Sherburne’s Jenni Larchar, the beloved voice behind “Jenni’s Music,” is known throughout the region for interactive preschool programs, symphonious performances, personalized music lessons, and a vast performance repertoire. She directed the award-winning Sherburne Music Theater Society (SMTS) 2024 production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which earned eight commendations from the Theatre Association of New York State.

“Play is a powerful experience that enriches people’s lives in museums, schools, homes, and beyond,” stated Arthur G. Affleck, III, ACM executive director. “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. As children’s museums, we believe in the power of play, and we strive to nurture more play and playful learning everywhere we go.”

“The opportunity to expand our ‘Worldwide Day of Play’ activities this year is so exciting,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “Thanks to our collaboration with INN and support from Visions, we are finding new ways to explore and be playful here at the museum. The day promises to be fun for kids of all ages!”

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture—its unique traditions and noteworthy stories. 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. Additional support for “‘Worldwide Day of Play” has been provided by Visions Federal Credit Union. CCHS is also a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. Download this free digital museum guide via the Apple Store or Google Play, and visit ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other museum 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 1,450 museums participating in Museums for All—a national access initiative that ACM manages—CCHS is a vital collaborator in “Worldwide Day of Play.” For more information about the initiative, visit www.childrensmuseums.org/dayofplay.

ACM is the foremost professional society supporting museums in developing rich environments that stimulate children’s natural playfulness, curiosity, and creativity. As a global leader, advocate, and resource for the field, ACM strives to build a better world for children and serves more than 30 million visitors annually. Started in 1962, ACM recently marked its 60th  year of impactful service to children, families, and museums.

Nickelodeon, now in its 48th 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.

The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) explores the culture of Chenango County—its enduring traditions, noteworthy residents, and unique stories—through preservation and presentation of local heritage.

- Information from the CCHS