Learning Curve: Stepping Back in Time

My kids are big fans of living history. They love to be able to touch, feel and participate, not just look at relics from afar. We are fortunate to live in an area that is rich in history and close to lots of great learning experiences. Couple that with a free event at one of such said locations, and I am all over it!

So we traveled a wee bit and landed at the Frontier Culture Museum. This was not our first trip, nor do I expect it to be our last. In fact, I’m considering buying a year long family pass just so we can go hang out when we’re so inclined.

The newest exhibit, the West Africa Village, is not quite finished yet, but we were still able to tour it. The folks at the FCM are very knowledgeable and eager to share that knowledge. They gave us a brief lesson (you can stay as long as you want at each facility) of the Igbo people, their house making, cultural and farming methods. Since we started discussing slavery last week, this was a good way for the girls to get an understanding of where the slaves came from.

Below is the entryway to the compound. The entire facility is hand (and foot) made, of clay just as it would be in West Africa. There are even some authentic looking trees being planted around the perimeter.

Then we traveled on to the English farm. The girls especially like this farm because of the sheep. Inside the home, they were both put to work working with the wool.

Here is the farm house and garden area.

Then we were on our way to the Forge. This young man was very knowledgeable and you could tell he liked to answer questions about his trade.

Then we were off to the Irish Farm…and the pigs. Animals are a big hit with all kids, but the smell of pigs, in 90 degree weather, was enough to gross out even Olivia.

I’m really glad I didn’t have to sleep in this bed. It couldn’t be a total of 5 foot long…most uncomfortable looking!

The German Farm is always fun! Lots of activities to learn about, and touch and listen to. I did not get the name of the musical instrument being played in this one photo, but it had a lovely sound to it!

We ran a little short on time, so we didn’t have a great deal of time to spend in the American Frontier. There are three sections, America 1740’s, America 1820’s and 1850’s America. The homes in the 1820 and 1850 locations are not reproductions, but real homes that were dismantled, shipped and rebuilt.

Here is a new addition (new to us anyway) a little one room schoolhouse.