Virtual field trip episodes will post on www.HitPlayChicago.org and air on WTTW

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Citadel have launched a weekly video series of Stay Home. Hit Play that showcases the city’s museums and cultural institutions.

Although the series is targeted toward families and students, I think anyone, even seasoned museum goers, would enjoy the tours.

The first virtual tour at the Shedd Aquarium was aired on Wednesday, April 29. In it, Mayor Lightfoot stops by the Aquarium for a visit with the penguins, feeds the sharks and says hello to Nickel the rescued sea turtle

You can see the 30-minute video here.

Following the episode at Shedd Aquarium, viewers were invited to learn more by going to the StayHomeHitPlay website where they could download worksheets on the biodiversity of Earth’s ecosystems that feature educational activities targeted to various age groups.

New weekly tours,  lead by Mayor Lightfoot, will continue at institutions including the Field Museum, the National Museum of Mexican Art, the Museum of Science and Industry, DuSable Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago and Lincoln Park Zoo.

Lightfoot will join museum curators and staff on virtual tours of their most popular exhibits and share hidden treasures and behind-the=scenes happenings not usually seen by the public.

A new episode will be aired every week on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. on WTTW (11.1) and on Mondays at 12:30 p.m. on WTTW Prime (11.2). The series will air online on the Stay Home. Hit Play website on Wednesdays and Fridays. All segments will offer related student worksheets that can be downloaded from the Stay Home. Hit Play website.

“The exciting launch of Stay Home. Hit Play. allows our city’s cultural gems to come to life, ensuring our students are able to stay connected and engaged with our world-class museums and institutions amidst the unprecedented restrictions of COVID-19,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “We are especially appreciative of the partnership of our parents, students, museum leaders and staff, WTTW, as well as Citadel, whose support was instrumental for the creation of this series. As challenging as this moment has been, we will get through it together, and I look forward to joining all of Chicago in re-experiencing these inspiring sites when this crisis ends.”

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