Early American Summer Days

Registrations are now being accepted for Early American Summer Days

WEST SPRINGFIELD Storrowton Village Museum's Early American Summer Days, an educationally valuable experience for children age 7-12, is accepting registrations for its two sessions July 31-Aug. 4 and August 7-11. Children participate in a hands-on approach to learning about life in a 19th century New England village. The cost for the session is $140 and registration is required.

Each session of the program consists of five days of activities, crafts and games on the historic Village Green with professional staff. To make the experience more realistic, children will don the clothing of the times while indulging in activities such as working a blacksmith's forge, milling corn into meal for cooking, writing with quill pens, weaving baskets and playing hoop and sack games of the era.

Each day of the week will have its own unique activities.

Monday: Along with getting acquainted with the other children, the first day offers the opportunity to delve into the Early American experience. Children will recreate the roles of their early American predecessors and learn about life in New England in the 1800s.

Tuesday: Campers write on slate in a one-room schoolhouse, apprentice in the Blacksmith Shop, learn puppet making and write with quill pens. The fun continues in the afternoon with singing and dancing to the great live music of the 19th century.

Wednesday: Youth will roll their sleeves up and get dirty! Learn about dairy products first-hand by milking a cow and churning butter! In the afternoon, participants will make tin-punch designs and a working harmonica. The day includes a visit and storytelling by a 19th century character.

Thursday: Children spend the day carding and spinning wool, weaving cloth from fiber, playing old fashioned games and dipping candles. Later in the day, they pay a visit to the homes, workshops and herb garden of Storrowton's villagers and enjoy sharing Early American stories.

Friday: Show-off day! After a week of fun and learning, children get to share what they've learned. Parents are welcome to watch their children perform a skit on stage, take a guided tour of the Village and witness their child's newly learned crafts and skills.

For information on registering your child for this popular program, or for more information, contact Storrowton Village Museum at 413-205-5051.