World of Little League: New Museum, New Name, New Look
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Howard J. Lamade Stadium during the 2007 Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Communications Division
In a little more than four months, a “new” museum will open at the Little League International Complex.
To go along with the $4 million renovation of the Little League Museum, the facility now has a new name and a new logo as well. Hours of operation will be expanded, and it will be open seven days a week.
On June 15, when the general public is invited to the Grand Re-Opening, people will be stepping into the “World of Little League.”
The new logo (full name: World of Little League: Peter J. McGovern Museum and Official Store) features a stylized rendition of the Colonial architecture of the facility, with its three arches that welcome tens of thousands of visitors from around the world each year. The arches symbolize the three words in the Little League motto: Character, Courage, and Loyalty.
The keystone shape on the pediment in the World of Little League logo is the famous symbol of Pennsylvania that Little League founder Carl E. Stotz created more than 60 years ago as part of the program’s insignia still in use today. The cupola atop the pediment is a symbol of Little League’s desire to reach more families than ever, in more places worldwide.
“With the name change, we want visitors to know that the World of Little League will be much more than just a museum,” Lance Van Auken, Vice President and Museum Executive Director, said. “It will be a place where anyone of any age will connect with several generations. Even for someone who has never been involved in Little League, it will be a great experience. For those who have been involved, or are currently playing or volunteering in a Little League, it will be a magical journey.”
The previous facility, opened in 1982, was completely gutted after the 2012 Little League Baseball World Series. Not a single exhibit from the old museum was retained, making the World of Little League entirely new, just in time for the run-up to the celebration of Little League’s 75th anniversary in 2014. World-class film presentations, hands-on exhibits for adults and children, and the rich history of Little League will be on display like never before.
“One thing we are not changing is the admission price,” Mr. Van Auken said. “We want as many families as possible to have the opportunity to experience this wonderful place.”
General admission for the World of Little League will be $5, and the facility will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Children 4 years of age and younger are admitted free, and children 5-12 are admitted for $2. The senior admission fee is $3, for those 62 and older. There will be discounts available for large groups booking in advance as well.
The World of Little League will have a distinct look beginning with the entrance. This large drum (above) will be the entry point into the museum and welcome visitors through the Little League store into the first inning of the Little League experience. Visitors will travel through the World of Little League over the course of six innings, the same length as a regulation Little League game. When renovations are completed, patrons will have the opportunity to view the history of Little League, as told through several innovative, hands-on exhibits. The World of Little League is expected to be open to the public this June.