A day away in the past

Date: 4/10/2013

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Storrowton Village Museum's spring school vacation program, "A Day Away in the Past," offers children ages 7 to 12, the opportunity to dress in period costumes and step into the 19th century to learn about Early American Village life.

The program takes place April 17 and 18 and takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Children will try their hand at early American crafts such as candle dipping and play old-fashioned springtime games including shooting marbles and hoop rolling. A program titled "Meet the Farm Animals" will educate participants on sheep and their value to the farm as well as the role of animals in the everyday life of a villager.

Every child will have the chance to apprentice with a master craftsman and try every activity associated with a blacksmith shop – pumping the bellows at the coal-fired forge, working a hand-crank drill press, filing white work and more.

The cost for the one-day program is $40 and children must bring their lunch. Space is limited and reservations are required for this popular program. Reservations must be received by April 11.

For information or registration, call the Storrowton Village Museum office at 205-5051.

Spring is also time to plan for children's summer vacation activities. Storrowton Village Museum's Early American Summer Days is the perfect opportunity to enroll your child in a fun, educational experience. Registration has begun and this year's program takes place Aug. 5 to 9 or Aug. 12 to 16. Early registration discounts are available through June 7.

Call the Village office for details or visit www.TheBigE.com/sv to download a registration form.