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CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM CELEBRATES PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: PERSIA
Chicago’s Persian community showcases local talent and celebrates Norooz, the Persian New Year

Contact:
Natalie Kreiger
Chicago Children's Museum
312.464.7727
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL– Chicago's children and families will come together at Chicago Children's Museum on March 12, 14 & 15 to celebrate Chicago’s Persian community with Passport to the World: Persia. Over 75 performers are scheduled for this spring celebration.

The celebration of the Norooz is the first day of spring at the Spring Equinox. The word Norooz, meaning New Day, is the most anticipated celebration in the Persian culture. The celebration is one of hope, promise and good fortune. Visitors will be introduced to the traditional Persian New Year spread, Haft Seen-Haft Sheen, egg painting, music and dancing, and a special visit from Amoo Norooz, or "Uncle New Year."

Programming begins on Thursday, March 12, 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., and continues Saturday, March 14, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 15, noon–3:00 p.m. Activities are appropriate for all ages. For programming details, contact Keith McCormick at (312) 464-7735, Neda Nabavi at 312-287-1355, or visit www.passporttopersia.com.

"Passport to the World is designed to expose children to a variety of cultures and to affirm each child's own cultural identity and ethnic heritage. It is our hope that programs like Passport to Persia help prepare young children to thrive in a world that is increasingly interracial and intercultural, and demonstrates to them that cultural differences should not be simply tolerated, but appreciated, encouraged and nurtured" said Keith McCormick, CCM's director of cultural programming.

"Passport to Persia is important to the Persian community in so many ways. It provides a venue to showcase our culture as well as a forum where others can learn about it. The most exciting part of the program for me is watching the kids look around and turn to their parents and say 'Mommy Daddy, they are like us!' All of our cultures are rich in their own way and CCM allows us all to come together and appreciate one another," said Passport to Persia Committee Chair Neda Nabavi.

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. Located at Navy Pier, Chicago's number one attraction at 700 East Grand Avenue, CCM is the final stop for CTA buses #29, #65, #66 and #124.

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