Explore American History With 2 New EHC Exhibits

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The Environmental and Heritage Center (EHC) invites you to step into another time and place and learn how to be a colonial blacksmith, paddle a Native American canoe, churn butter like an American pioneer and much more. Families and guests can explore American history through the eyes of children with a new exhibit titled “Centuries of Childhood: An American Story.” The exhibit opens on Jan. 26, 2015, and remains on display through April 30, 2015.

In “Centuries of Childhood: An American Story,” visitors connect the stories of American history to their own experiences by learning about the lives of five historical children and their families. Each historical character has its own distinct environment based on the time period and location in which he or she lived. Replicas of artifacts, home settings and traditional dress bring their stories to life. Interactive stations allow guests to experience a sampling of each child’s personal story.

The five children featured in the exhibit include Onatah, a seven year old Native American girl who recounts life in the Great Lakes Region during the 1700s; Gregory, a 10 year old colonial apprentice who shares his story of working and living away from home; Clara, a pioneer girl who tells her story of traveling West in 1840; Jacob, a Jewish boy who recently immigrated to America; and Michael, a mid-20th century African American child who recently moved from the Deep South to Chicago.

“When we think about American history, we often think of famous people, wars and important dates. We forget that history is really the story of everyday life as lived by ordinary men, women and children.” said Jason West, EHC director of programming. “This interactive exhibit allows visitors to explore American history as experienced by everyday kids.”

“Centuries of Childhood: An American Story” was created by the Children’s Museum of Cleveland and is sponsored locally by the EHC Foundation.

In addition, the EHC is hosting a supplementary exhibit titled “Georgia’s Sacred Soils.” This exhibit blends science and history through the exploration of Georgia’s geology and its colonial history. The exhibit includes soil samples from across the state taken from battle sites of the Revolutionary War as well as historical maps that compare the historic and present boundaries of Georgia. “Georgia’s Sacred Soils” is sponsored by the Atlanta Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and will also be on display until April 30, 2015.

Both exhibits are included in the price of admission to the EHC. For more information, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.

— From Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center

(Photo: Visitors will experience American history through the eyes of children with the EHC’s new exhibit “Centuries of Childhood: An American Story.” Credit: Gwinnett EHC)