Virginia DAR & Kenmore Create Hands on History Opportunities for Youth

The Historic Kenmore mansion is now home to an interactive discovery space for children to explore materials from 18th Century life. The Hands on History Discovery Room is a project of the Kenmore State Chair at Virginia Society Daughters of the American Revolution (Virginia DAR.)

Lauren Stumborg, current Kenmore State Chair, noticed that teachers were eager to bring students to George Washington’s Childhood Homestead at Ferry Farm, but avoided Kenmore. “Teachers told me they didn’t consider Kenmore ‘child friendly,’ when my children were younger,” said Stumborg. When asked to serve as State Chair for Kenmore she saw it as the perfect opportunity to change that; envisioning the room with her own children in mind.

Kenmore, a historic State Shrine of Virginia, is a pre-Revolutionary War Georgian-style brick mansion, which has been diligently refurbished with period antiquities and replicas. While the main house is not touch-friendly, the goal of the Hands on History initiative is to create a welcoming environment for children.

Stumborg collaborated with Kenmore to create Hands on History as an innovative way to educate and inspire the next generation to respect and appreciate our past. The room, which resides in the kitchen dependency building, is directly adjacent to the main house. It’s an ideal space for classes, families and individuals to learn in an engaging and interactive environment.

Once completed, Stumborg asked local Virginia Society Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) members from the Surgeon Lawrence Brooke Society to appear in a demonstration video utilizing the materials in the room. They were eager to assist. Watching the children enjoying the space inspired Stumborg, as plans are already underway to expand the Hands on History program. The Get Your Hands on History at Kenmore video can be viewed on the gallery page of the Washington-Lewis Chapter, NSDAR website.

Funds are currently being raised for Phase II of this initiative - an outdoor concept of Hands on History on the grounds of Kenmore. Phase II combines the use of traditional informative markers throughout the grounds with the addition of modern technology; by embedding QR codes alongside the general text. Scanning these codes with a cell phone or tablet will allow visitors to experience customizable adventures throughout the property; from age-appropriate scavenger hunts to seasonally themed adventures. Coordinating backpacks for each theme will be available for check out at the main desk.

Stumborg hopes the Hands on History initiative at Kenmore will serve as a template for other historic sites to emulate as they struggle to find ways to engage youth. “We need to be innovative in our approach to educate and inspire the next generation. If it takes the integration of technology to achieve that goal, then we need to build that bridge and meet children where they are,” said Stumborg, “otherwise, we will continue to see the loss of historic properties for lack of stewardship.”

If you would like to donate to the Hands on History initiative, please contact Lauren Stumborg at KenmoreStateChairVirginiaDAR@gmail.com