Neighbor News
"Educating youth a big part of Museum's present and future"
American Independence Museum educates more than 1,700 kids annually
When parents think about summer programs for kids, they often think about the beach or NH’s ample access to abundant nature, which represents a challenge education staff is happy to tackle at the American Independence Museum.
“Our job is to develop programming that will not just sound ‘fun’ to kids, but attract their parents, too, as they have a lot of choices,” said Museum Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio.
In developing summer history experiences for kids, Pietrantonio said the Museum can use the concept of time to its distinct advantage.
“We can create an experience where kids can essentially travel back into time,” she said. “They can wear Revolutionary clothing and meet with very realistic re-enactors who can share their unique perspective on life in Colonial times…Our programs play on a child’s innate capacity to imagine.”
Expressing enthusiasm at this summer’s offerings, which largely include the opportunity for kids to assume the role of real 18th century Exeter residents, Museum Executive Director Julie Williams said she is also excited at their newest program. Developed by Pietrantonio in collaboration with other staff and trained educators, the Junior History Program will provide hands-on demonstration in archaeology, collections management and genealogy.
“These kids will get a chance to work like a professional in uncovering some of history’s secrets,” Williams said. “Abby has also done a wonderful job in creating opportunities for kids to connect what they learn here in real life.”
According to Pietrantonio, the underlying hope in developing unique summer experiences for kids is to reframe how people in general approach history.
“History is more than just artifacts on shelves or on walls, although of course that is part of what we do here,” she said. “It is also a thought process—a very creative and imaginative one. History can be fun and serve a deeper purpose at the same time.”
Registration for the Museum’s summer programs are open, but available space is limited. To learn more or register, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
