Hundreds of Children's Museum Professionals to Meet in Houston for InterActivity Conference on "Building Communities of Learners" - Special Tribute to Mister Rogers Planned

What: InterActivity is the annual three-day conference of the Association of Children's Museums (ACM) that brings together more than 400 children's museum professionals, educators and researchers from the United States and abroad. The Children's Museum of Houston hosts this year's conference that examines the role of children's museums in lifelong learning and community building with more than 40 program sessions, roundtable discussions and museum study tours. The presentations include a special choral tribute to Fred Rogers.

When: May 1-3, 2003

Where: Westin Galleria museums. The Washington-based association serves more than 400 members worldwide.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Thursday, May 1
Presentation of Great Friend to Kids Award to Former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush
Keynote Address by Former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush

Friday, May 2
Presentation of MetLife Foundation and ACM Promising Practice Award to three museums that used strategic partnerships to create a community of learners on behalf of children
Keynote Address by Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Fellow, ChildTrauma Academy

Saturday, May 3
Presentation of Kids' Voices Award to PBS
Keynote Address by Charlotte Brantley, Senior Director, Ready to Learn, PBS
Tribute to Mister Rogers by the Roberts Elementary School Choir

Press Passes/Photo Opportunities:
Credentialed members of the press are welcome to attend all keynote sessions listed above. Please contact Sara Habich at ACM (202.898.1080) by April 23, 2003 to arrange on-site access. For questions about ACM or background on the speakers or the conference, contact Janet Rice Elman.