Monkeying around

Nearly every man, woman and child knows about a curious little monkey named George.

Far fewer people realize that the story of Curious George made a dramatic escape from France during World War II.

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center in Cedar Rapids is hosting an exhibition titled 'The True Story of Curious George - The Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey's Journey from France” to help bring to light the story behind the story.

Visitors will discover how the authors - Hans Augusto and Margret Rey - of the beloved children's book series 'Curious George” narrowly escaped Nazi-occupied France during World War II.

In a true-life tale more riveting than fiction, this exhibit depicts how the Reys bravely escaped on bicycle by night, with only a few personal possessions, including the original 'Curious George” manuscripts.

The Jewish couple fled Paris in June 1940, starting a five-month odyssey by bike, train and boat that eventually would bring them to American shores.

The exhibition is based in part on the 2005 publication, 'The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey,” written by Louise Borden and illustrated by Allan Drummond. It features 27 framed art prints by Drummond and supplemental archival images from the holdings of the DeGrummond Collection of Children's Literature at the University of Southern Mississippi.

The exhibit is 'very colorful and there's lots of movement. Just liked you'd expect in a ‘Curious George' book,” says History Center Executive Director Caitlin Treece.

While The History Center typically focuses exhibit space on exploring Linn County history, hosting this exhibit was an opportunity the museum couldn't pass up, Treece said.

'It's such a universal topic,” she says. 'How many kids in this area grew up reading ‘Curious George?' We haven't done an art exhibit like this for a while, and it shows you that there is history behind everything, even an adorable monkey.”

She's hoping those curious about George will draw new visitors to the museum.

'It's a multigenerational exhibit,” Treece says. 'And it's perfect for summer when grandparents are looking for a place to keep cool with the kids. It's a nice introduction to The History Center for younger audiences.”

The exhibit opens today with events for the entire family from noon to 5 p.m. at The History Center.

There will be a bounce house, games, crafts, 'clean” tie-dye (bring your own shirt or buy one for $3) and 'Curious George” episodes with free popcorn.

The exhibit, toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, will be on display through Aug. 16.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is by donation.

FAMILY FUN

'What:

Family Fun Day: The True Story of Curious George - The Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey's Journey from France.

'When:

noon to 5 p.m. today

'Where:

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center, 615 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids

'Cost:

$5 to $7, $20 per family

'Events: Celebrate opening day of The History Center's summer exhibit all about Curious George and his authors' brave bicycle escape from Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Games, mini-golf, bounce house, duck pond, cake walk, crafts, free tie-dye (bring your own shirt or buy one for $3), 'Curious George” episodes with free popcorn, food available for purchase and more.

'Details:

Historycenter.org