|
 Children have two great chances to explore history in
fun, creative ways at events coming up at the Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Library and Museum. One event focuses on “Rosie the
Riveter” during World War II, and the other explores technology that
people used to escape slavery on the Underground Railroad.
Rosie the Riveter is the nickname for the millions of women who
entered the workforce during World War II to produce vital goods,
including ships, planes and ammunition. On Saturday, Oct. 26, a
series of hands-on activities will be offered in the presidential
museum to let kids learn more about what those women did.
Children will be able to build and design their own wooden planes,
make a keychain using rivets, take a selfie with a famous Rosie the
Riveter poster and more. The activities are included in regular
admission to the museum.
The activities are being offered in conjunction with the special
exhibit “In This Great Struggle: The Greatest Generation Remembers
World War II,” which features incredible artifacts and documents
from the war as well as gripping videos about people’s memories of
the war. The exhibit, made by possible by the generous support of
AT&T, runs through Jan. 12.
Saturday, Nov. 2, will see the return of the popular Civil War Tech
program, which looks at the science behind famous moments from the
Civil War era. This event will show children the technology used by
people escaping slavery.
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People making their way north to freedom used holistic medicine
to heal wounds. They navigated by watching the stars. They found natural ways of
disguising themselves and their paths. Children will have the opportunity to
make disguises, create a glow-in-the-dark constellation and review star charts.
They will also get to diagnose 19th century ailments and prescribe treatments.
In addition, Harriet Tubman, who led dozens of people to freedom
on the Underground Railroad, will talk about her experiences and answer
children’s questions. Tubman will be portrayed by historic interpreter Kathryn
Harris.
Children ages 8-12 are welcome to participate. The event begins
at 10 a.m. and is free, but space is limited so register by visiting
www.President
Lincoln.Illinois.gov and clicking on “special event reservations.”
The presidential library and museum uses a combination of rigorous scholarship
and high-tech showmanship to immerse visitors in the life and times of Abraham
Lincoln. Visitors can see ghosts come to life on stage, watch TV coverage of the
1860 presidential election, roam through the Lincoln White House, experience
booming cannons in a Civil War battle and come face to face with priceless
original Lincoln artifacts.
The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents,
photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to
all aspects of Illinois history.
For more information, visit
www. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov.
[Christopher Wills] |
