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VLM ushers in the holidays with annual turkey pardoning Nov. 25

November 20, 2015

Virginia Living Museum ushers in the holidays with annual turkey pardoning Nov. 25

 

For the sixth year, the Virginia Living Museum will celebrate the long and healthy life of its wild turkeys during the annual Turkey Pardoning, Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.

 

In the tradition of the annual Presidential Turkey Pardoning, Newport News Mayor McKinley Price will lead the ceremony held on the museum’s outdoor trail beside the Turkey/Deer Habitat. The museum has one male, the tom, and three female hens currently on exhibit.

 

The official pardoning will usher in the holiday season at the museum with activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., including a display of turkey items from museum collections, turkey-related crafts and activities, plus cider for those in attendance. Activities are included in museum admission. Special thanks to Colonial Longbeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation for their annual support of the wild turkey exhibit.

 

Nov. 25 also marks the start of the holiday season at the museum’s Abbitt Planetarium. Retrace the steps of the Magi in “Star of Wonder: Mystery of the Christmas Star” and enjoy classic holiday music paired with laser lights in  the new show “Holiday Magic” both showing through Dec. 31. 

 

In celebration of the Virginia Living Museum’s 50th anniversary, tickets for “Star of Wonder: Mystery of the Christmas Star” have been reduced to 50 cents (plus museum admission) for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The planetarium opened for the holiday season in 1965, becoming the first part of the Peninsula Junior Nature Museum and Planetarium. Shows at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 25 and 27-29. Seats are limited.

 

The daytime schedule varies for the rest of the holiday season, check thevlm.org for details. Daytime shows are $4 plus museum admission.

 

Enjoy a holiday evening in the planetarium on Nov. 28 with “Star of Wonder” shown at 6:30 p.m. and “Holiday Magic” at 7:30 p.m. Evening shows are $6 each.

 

The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. 

 

Admission is $17 for adults and $13 for children (ages 3-12). Ages 2 and under and are free. 

 

The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, I64, exit 258A.

 

Call 757-595-1900 or visit thevlm.org.