I’ve been involved with our local history museum for many years: originally, as a student with an interest in museum studies, then as a volunteer at the gift shop, and eventually as a board member. Over the years, I’ve seen and experienced many of the amazing things that a this wonderful place offers, as well as the dedication of the staff and volunteers – some of which provide over 400 hours of volunteer service annually!
My love of the museum started when I was small. I remember eating ice cream in the 1800’s-style ice cream parlor with my mom and grandma, wandering
through the old town exhibits, and dressing up for our day at the on-site school house with my fourth grade class. So when I had a child of my own, it was a no-brainer that I include her in some of the fun that this place has to offer and (eventually) to show her how fun it is to be involved in it, as well!
I know when most people think of a history museum, they don’t think of it as a great place for kids. Many people have a “been there, done that” attitude about museums. But most history museums try really hard to make their exhibits fun, accessible, and interactive for people of all ages. I know ours does.
In addition to the kid-specific exhibit at our local museum, there are fun things all the way through that my two year old loves to engage with:
- A wigwam that’s just the right size for a child to enter. It’s filled with soft furs, a bear skin rug, and talking sticks.
- Magnetic fishing poles and fish in the “lake” by the cabin in the exhibit on Wisconsin tourism.
- A school bus she can steer.
- Grooming and feeding supplies for a calf in the milking barn.
- And (real live!) baby chicks in the spring.
It’s so fun to watch her drift from exhibit to exhibit excitedly pointing out each of the things that she finds interesting! It’s one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon.
BONUS: There aren’t hundreds of other kids there spreading their germs, so I probably won’t have a sick kid three days later.
At the end of all the exhibits, I like to sit in the (now renovated 1950’s style) ice cream parlor and talk to my daughter about her favorite parts of our visit and perhaps buy her a trinket from their adorable gift shop to help support their cause.
These are just a few of the reasons I to bring my daughter to our local history museum. I love it for my own reasons, as well, but that’s a whole other post. So please, when you think of your local history museum, don’t say, “been there, done that,” instead, try to see it through a child’s eyes; try to see it as an opportunity to develop your child’s sense of history and community; and as an opportunity to develop them for yourself, as well.
I’d love to hear about your favorite less-than-likely family activities. Please share them below!
— Funky Crunchy Mama
