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CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN ANNOUNCES OPENING OF “I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE,” AN EXHIBIT FEATURING THE FRED B. TARTER COLLECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL AUTOGRAPHS, INCLUDING A 2-PAGE LEGAL DOCUMENT HANDWRITTEN BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND RICHARD NIXON’S RESIGNATION LETTER

New Interactive Exhibit Opens October 1, 2016 and Runs through Year’s End

New York, NY – October 1, 2016 – With the race for the White House in full swing, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan today announced the opening of I Approve This Message, an interactive new exhibition featuring a 40-foot display of framed historical documents with authentic autographs from the American presidents. These notable objects are part of the private collection of the late Fred B. Tarter. The collection includes two original pages of Abraham Lincoln’s handwriting covering a legal settlement, Richard Nixon’s letter of resignation, personal checks signed by Harry Truman, Calvin Coolidge and Theodore Roosevelt and more! The exhibit, on display at the Children’s Museum (212 West 83rd Street) from October 1 through December 31, 2016, also includes autographs from several First Ladies.

Opening just weeks before the United States elects its 45th president, this interactive display is designed for children ages 2-10 and their families. Using the historical documents for inspiration, children can practice their own signatures, sit at a child-sized Oval Office Desk, learn the joy and practice of collecting, participate in mock elections, and engage in election- and American history-related activities.

“We’re thrilled that the Tarter family is willing to share this extraordinary collection with the children and families of New York” said Andrew Ackerman, the Children’s Museum’s executive director. “So far, we’ve had six presidents from this great state. Who knows what the 2016 election will bring? Our young visitors may be inspired to be America’s next great leader one day.”

Fun for all ages, the exhibit also features high school yearbook style presidential profiles and fascinating factoids, brought to life by the charming illustrations of Mike Lowery, from “Ken Jenning’s Junior Genius Guides: U.S. Presidents” (used with the permission of Little Simon – an imprint of Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing Division).

Along with the framed Presidential autographs, renowned artist Leah Tinari’s President Project series, contemporary presidential portraits with a splash of color and whimsy, will also be on display. Readers may recognize her work from the illustrations in the popular children’s book, “The Magical Fantastical Fridge” (Penguin Random House – Dial Books).

I Approve This Message is full of fun, history and inspiration. Our youngest citizens can, among other things:

•  Feel the power of the Oval Office, and enjoy a photo-op while sitting at a pretend-play presidential desk and signing documents similar to those featured in the display
• Add a signature to a wall-hanging for potential future presidents
• Cast a vote in a faux voting booth
• Participate in presidential-related scavenger hunts
• Create a presidential seal
• Make a snazzy slogan button to promote their candidacy

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About Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan – a citywide resource for children, families and educators – works to ensure children thrive at home, at school and in the community. Based on West 83rd Street, with over 350,000 visitors annually, the Museum creates hands-on learning environments, programs, and curricula through an alchemy of fun, research and museum science. In addition to its commitment to delight and educate visitors, the Museum offers resources and strategies for parents, caregivers, and educators to help children become lifelong learners. Thousands more New Yorkers also benefit from the Museum’s offering through its outreach programs at schools, Head Start centers, shelters, libraries and hospitals. For more information, please visit www.cmom.org.