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Press Releases

CHICAGO, IL—Members of Chicago Children’s Museum’s Community Connections department traveled to Seoul, Korea, Saturday, September 27, for the International Symposium on Museum Education. CCM staff members, Nancy Plaskett and Keith McCormick received the invitation from the National Museum of Korea (NMK).

“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Korean culture and to experience first hand the arts and traditions the Passport to Korea committee has provided CCM for many years,” said Plaskett, CCM’s Associate Vice President of Community Connections.  “I am also excited to be able to spend time sharing and learning with museum educators from around the world and hope to build international relationships for CCM.”

In a presentation at the National Museum of Korea on October 2, Plaskett will discuss how CCM manages and facilitates relationships in the community, and will draw from her experience with the Passport to the World program.  McCormick, CCM’s Director of Cultural Programs, will address a smaller audience on the specifics of Passport.  NMK is sponsoring Plaskett’s travel expenses and members from CCM’s Korean community partners, The Korean American Association of Chicago, Korean Consulate General and Korea Air all contributed to make the trip a reality for McCormick.

“Chicago Children’s Museum will play a vital role in the globalization of our next generation of children,” said Charlie Jung, President of the Korean American Association of Chicago.  “In choosing [Keith] to accompany us to the Symposium in Seoul, I felt he would have an invaluable opportunity of observing first hand the cultural heritage of Korea and return with a better appreciation of our community which will prove most helpful in forming a bridge between CCM and the Korean community.” 

“Chicago’s Korean community and the Passport to Korea partners have been incredibly supportive of this trip,” said McCormick, also the facilitator of the museum’s Passport to the World program.  “We have met with members of Chicago’s Korean community who will be in Seoul during our trip, and they will be introducing us to their contacts in the cultural, business and cultural sectors.  Our Passport to Korea partners have also been incredibly helpful in preparing us for our trip, sharing basic knowledge and tips for traveling in Korea.”

About Passport to the World
Passport to the World is a series of celebrations that focuses on the arts and traditions of Chicago's culturally diverse neighborhoods. This program provides children, adults and caregivers with year-round opportunities to experience and learn more about the world around them. Passport to the World features authentic cultural programming that represents the art, culture, and traditions, of a particular country; all participating artists, performers and workshop leaders are members of the featured culture. Performers work with professional and student groups as well as other organizations prominent in their community. Each Passport to the World celebration culminates in an activity-rich, three-day festival held throughout the museum. Current Passport to the World community partners include Chicago’s Mexican, Native American, Nigerian, Irish, Indian, Polish, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Persian, Filipino, Greek and Korean communities. 

About Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization committed to creating a community where play and learning connect.  CCM teaches children through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs. With over fifteen interactive exhibits such as CCM’s newest permanent exhibit, Skyline and new activities daily, every visit is unique for parents, caregivers, educators and children from toddlers to 10 years.

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