Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum Summer Sampler July 1, 2008

School is out and there’s no more homework, no more books and no more teachers. But that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! This summer, kids can take a step back in time and learn about Colonial life during the museum’s Summer Sampler programs, held every Tuesday from July 1 to 29. Throughout these five sessions, children in kindergarten through 3rd grade will get to experience life in the 18th and 19th centuries through games, role play, dance and craft projects.

These five sessions will take place at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum from 10 a.m. to noon:

Honoring Our Founding Fathers – July 1
Celebrate the 4th of July while learning about Wethersfield’s role in the Revolutionary War. Children will spend part of the day in the Deane House’s kitchen, where they will find a famous “Founding Mother.”

Storytelling in the Oral Tradition – July 8
Tammy Denease Richardson, a well-known storyteller, will show children the value of storytelling in American History. Richardson will also tell a story of her own and do crafts with the children.

Colonial Cooking and Textiles – July 15
During the Colonial period, cooking and textiles were the two most important jobs for women. Children will get an opportunity to learn about these chores by making hoecakes and applesauce and making a textile craft to take home.

Christmas in July – July 22
In this hands-on program, children will learn the history of Christmas in New England. Children will get a chance to explore the traditions of this holiday over three centuries by doing fun-filled activities, including making a Victorian Christmas ornament and 21st century Christmas cards.

Colonial Entertainment – July 29
The last program of the summer will explore how children had fun in the Colonial period. Children will spend the morning playing games, learning dances and making a special craft to take home.

The cost of each program is $10, or $45 for all five programs. For more information or to register your child, please call Lisa Sillitto, education coordinator, at (860) 529-0612.

Official Website: http://www.webb-deane-stevens.org/