History isn’t always a favorite subject among kids. It’s no wonder – classroom textbooks tend to be pretty dry, and rarely make the people and places of the past come alive in a vivid way that intrigues today's kids.
But at the Missouri History Museum, history is anything but boring. The museum boasts a variety of programs and events geared specifically to children, and they are all designed to engage even the youngest visitors through hands-on activities and adventures.
And as part of 250 in 250 – St. Louis’ very special birthday celebration – the Missouri History Museum is working on a brand new project, one that St. Louis families get to build themselves.
A Project Just For Families
The History Clubhouse gallery, where children will be able to explore different aspects of St. Louis history – without getting bored – is scheduled to open at the Missouri History Museum in 2015. Five of the St. Louis area’s favorite places will be featured: Cahokia, the Mississippi River, Soulard Market, Forest Park and downtown St. Louis.
What exactly will be included in the gallery? Well, that’s up to us, because St. Louis kids and families are invited to help build it. From March 29 through October 6, 2014, a History Clubhouse: Let’s Build It! exhibit will be open during regular museum hours, and five special Let’s Build the History Clubhouse weekends are scheduled throughout the year.
“During each of the five Let’s Build the History Clubhouse weekends, families will enjoy music by Radio Disney and other local musicians, movement workshops, museum-wide scavenger hunts, label-writing workshops, crafts, mural paintings with St. Louis artist Cbabi Bayoc and more,” says Lindsay Newton, the Missouri History Museum’s Youth and Family Programs Manager.
“These weekends are 100 percent geared towards children and families, as is the History Clubhouse: Let’s Build It! exhibit,” Newton continues. “We are celebrating different areas of our city and providing opportunities for them to connect to history through fun and interactive experiences – nothing about the gallery or the weekend events is hands-off at all!”
Newton notes that these weekends are designed for families with kids ages 10 and under, and indicates that while certain activities will be more suitable for big kids, others will be great for preschool age. All kids who attend will also receive collectible hard hats and stickers for helping with the project.
History Clubhouse Weekends: Dates and Details
Each of the History Clubhouse weekends will focus on a different St. Louis place to be featured in the gallery, and will give families an opportunity to learn about St. Louis history in a fun, hands-on way. Families can bring their own pictures to be matted and hung, and various community organizations related to each location will be present. Much of the artwork and projects that kids complete during these weekends will hang permanently in the History Clubhouse gallery.
All events during the History Clubhouse weekends are free, but high attendance is expected, so arrive early and don’t be surprised to find a crowd. Opening weekend festivities celebrating Downtown St. Louis are set to kick off on March 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and continue on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Some of the special events scheduled for the upcoming Downtown St. Louis weekend include:
Other History Clubhouse weekends scheduled for 2014 are:
May 3 and 4: Mississippi River. Learn all about steamboats and life on the Mississippi in the mid-1800’s.
June 20 and 21: Forest Park. This weekend celebrates Forest Park during the time of the 1904 World’s Fair, so expect ice cream cones, carriage rides and ragtime piano music as part of the fun.
July 18 and 19: Soulard Market. Fresh produce, representatives from local farmer’s markets, farm animal puppets and a petting zoo are all part of this weekend, which celebrates the rich history of the Soulard Market.
September 6 and 7: Cahokia. This weekend commemorates the ancient city of Cahokia. Interactive presentations by experts from Cahokia Mounds will be among the highlights.
“We literally can’t wait to see what families come up with during these weekends,” says Newton. “We’re excited to hear their ideas and see what’s created.”
To learn more about each of the Let’s Build the History Clubhouse Weekends, and see how your family can participate in this amazing project, visit www.mohistory.org.
Alyssa Chirco is a freelance writer, mother and margarita lover, not necessarily in that order. In addition to writing for STL Parent, she is Contributing Editor at Parenting Squad, and covers parenting, health and lifestyle topics for publications across the country. She recently moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to a small town in rural Jefferson County, where she is learning to survive with no Target or Starbucks in sight. Follow her on Twitter @AlyssaChirco
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Meet up at the Nature Playscape in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
Daytime Playtime is an open gym for children ages 2-5 where the possibilities for fun and learning (through fun) are endless! Children will participate in activities that build coordination, strength, balance and self-confidence. They'll develop stronger motor skills, social skills, and take part in theme-based creative activities.
Dinoroarus is back for a limited time at the Saint Louis Zoo. This engaging attraction for all ages features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs - colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spiting or placidly munching on lush vegetation.
Visit the Animal Protective Association (APA) of Missouri for a free story time for preschoolers and help foster their love of animals. Kids will learn about caring for our four-legged friends as well as be entertained by fun stories and make a craft. They'll even meet a furry friend! Geared to ages 2-5.