Space still available in Little Red Schoolhouse

Date: 3/2/2011

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Space is still available in Storrowton Village Museum's Little Red Schoolhouse, an educational program open to grade 1 to 5 school classes, teachers and chaperones. The program takes place Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the school year.

Participants dress in period costumes which are provided by Storrowton and are given a brief orientation on the roles each played in the 19th century.

A "schoolmaster" or "school-mistress" of the era will lead the students through a variety of challenging and fun activities similar to those which were a part of a child's school day early in the 19th century — quill pen writing, spelling bees, math drills and more.

Copybooks and slates are used for lessons, and students will top off their day with old-fashioned games. At the end of the day, children will take home their quill pen and copybook as well as a certificate of attendance as a keepsake of their experience.

All participants should bring a lunch. If possible, it may be packed in a basket or tin pail as was common in the 1800s.

The program fee is $7 and registration is required.

For more information and to have your class participate, contact Storrowton Village Museum at 205-5051, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.