By Kate Bartlett
Join in an adults-only night of fun for a game of “whodunnit?” at the Buffalo Museum of Science Friday, September 16. This marks the museums 10th year putting on their popular mystery night “Get a Clue” in their Science After Hours series, and it’s sure to be full of captivating entertainment.
A ‘crime’ has been committed at the museum, and they need your help to solve it. With a team of up to 10 players, players gather clues from witnesses positioned throughout the Museum to determine the suspect, the weapon, and the room in which the crime took place for a chance to win prizes. It’s like the popular board game of “Clue” come to life, only more mysterious. Guests receive a game board with suspects (historical suspects from the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences), weapons (with a fun science twist) and various rooms throughout the museum. Players travel between three floors of the museum to interview witnesses and gather clues to solve the mystery. The first team to answer correctly wins a prize, and all correct submissions are entered in a drawing to win a prize.
“Get a Clue” was started back in 2012 and has become so popular that they’ve added a second annual event, so it now happens twice a year, typically in September and January. The game is always different, so players can enjoy a new experience every time. Participants can register for one of two games per event at 6:30pm or 8:15pm. Guests who opt for the earlier game can stay after they play to have a drink and enjoy the museum afterhours, while those who choose the later option are invited to come early and enjoy the museum before their session.
Amy Biber Collson is the director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Buffalo Museum of Science, and has been working on making this event a success through the years. “I absolutely love this event. We basically turn the entire museum into a giant Clue boardgame. It’s great fun, and challenging too. Players can just play for fun, but if you’re looking to win, you need a bit of strategy. We’ve gained quite a following over the years and have several return players year after year.”
“Get a Clue” is part of the Museum’s ‘Science After Hours” series. Held several times per year, these events give adults the opportunity to enjoy the museum at their own pace after hours. “The museum has a different feel after hours with activities and demonstrations geared toward adults. Our guests gain a new perspective of the museum as they’re able to tour exhibits at their own pace, and even enjoy a cocktail from the cash bar.” Amy’s favorite after hours events is “Are You (Still) Afraid of the Dark,” which is coming up in October. This event explores and examines different phobias, giving guests a bit of an eerie thrill just in time for Halloween.
The Museum also offers families the opportunity to attend the museum at night during ‘Twilight at the Museum’, an event for all ages. During this event, the museum’s rooftop is opened (weather permitting) for guests to view the night skies with telescopes and astronomers from the Buffalo Astronomical Association available for demonstrations and conversation. Images of the night skies taken through the museum’s Lunden telescope are projected on a screen for guests to enjoy as they tour the Kellogg Observatory. The season’s final Twilight event is scheduled for September 23 from 8-11pm. Due to the event’s limited capacity, the museum advises those interested to reserve tickets online in advance.
Pre-registration for “Get a Clue” is strongly encouraged; reserve tickets for your preferred game session online @ sciencebuff.org on the events page. Two sessions currently available with Game 1 from 6:30-7:45pm and Game 2 running 8:15-9:30pm. Cash bar will be open, ages 21+ only for the event with photo IDs required at the door. Doors open at 6pm. Cost is $30, members save 10% and first drink is free. Proceeds benefit educational programming at the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve.