Star Trek at the Franklin Institute
Source: Tween Parent Staff
(34 ratings)
Are you looking for something to do with your preteen this summer? Is your kid a Star Trek fan? If so, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is the place to go. The exhibit features more than 430 props, costumes and models from the television series and movies, including the recent film, Star Trek.
Filled with memorabilia, though not as interactive as some kids may prefer, the show is a treasure trove for potential trekkies. Descriptions and anecdotes about each prop helps preteens fill in the gaps that may be missing in their knowledge of Star Trek history. The exhibit also includes a large-scale replica of the bridge of the Starship Enterprise D and the sickbay and engineering room from Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, the highlight for most kids will be the collection of costumes and props used by the actors in Star Trek, The Movie which are featured at the end of the show.
For parents, it is a trip down memory lane. First developed in 1964, the original Star Trek series included 79 episodes and lasted only three seasons, but has spanned most of our lives. At a time when color TV was considered cutting edge technology, Gene Roddenberry created a world filled with gadgets that often don't seem unconventional to us today. Captain Kirk's cordless "communicator' inspired cell phones and Doctor McCoy was able to do non-invasive diagnosis long before the MRI was invented. While we are not yet traveling at warp speed, it makes us consider what technological wonders our kids will experience as grown ups.
Star Trek: The Exhibition closes on September 20, 2009. For more information, link to The Franklin Institute's web site.
Lunch in the Neighborhood
Bridgids - Inexpensive European-style restaurant; located at 726 N. 24th Street.
Sabrina's Cafe - Innovative comfort food; located at 1804 Callowhill Street.
Jack's Firehouse - Classic American food; located at 2130 Fairmount Avenue.
Additional Star Trek Resouces:
View original Star Trek series episodes on the CBS website
Original Star Trek series insights on Wikipedia
To purchase Star Trek movies and series collections, visit deepdiscount.com