Fall Football Touchdown! Kicks Off at UM Museum

Semester's first family day features fun activities for all

Local children enjoy painting outside the UM Museum.

Local children enjoy painting outside the UM Museum.

OXFORD, Miss. – Football season is in full swing, and the University of Mississippi Museum is getting into the spirit with a new exhibit featuring one-of-a-kind football helmets, entitled “Bloomingdale’s Fashion Touchdown,” and a fun day of family activities inspired by it.

The helmets were created by world-famous fashion designers for an auction to benefit the NFL Foundation. The museum’s first Family Day of the semester is inspired by this fun, family-friendly exhibit. Kids can design their own football helmets, participate in an obstacle course and taste healthy tailgating snacks. Families can pick up spirit gear and prizes donated by Ole Miss Athletics, meet surprise guests and enter a raffle to win free Ole Miss football tickets.

The event runs 10 a.m. to noon Saturday (Sept. 20) at the museum. Families can drop in any time within the two hours; this event is free and registration is not required. All ages are welcome, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

Children show off art projects they made at the museum.

Children show off art projects they made at the museum.

This event is supported by the UM Department of Athletics and is part of the museum’s involvement in the “Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens Initiative.”

“This exhibit and family day are very different than what many may expect to see at the museum, but we are so excited for the opportunity to celebrate fall, football and art all in one fun day for families,” said Emily Dean, curator of education. “We have been really fortunate to have wonderful partners in athletics who have added to the spirit and fun of this event.”

The University Museum, which is celebrating 75 years of exhibition and service to the community, is at the intersection of University Avenue and Fifth Street. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. For more information, visit http://museum.olemiss.edu or contact Dean at esdean@olemiss.edu or 662-915-7073.