Most museum trips involve the “hands off” approach. Don’t touch the exhibits. Don’t disrupt the peaceful, serious atmosphere. And by all means, children should be kept contained and quiet.
Sure, museum visits are educational. But they’re not always fun for kiddos.
That’s why the Colorado History Museum mixes things up every Saturday with its “Let’s Make History” program. Each week, children ages 4-12 can participate in hands-on history lessons.
Topics cover all aspects of Colorado history including cowboys, mining towns, Old West home remedies, and local inventions.
Staffers use crafts, music and demonstrations to capture kids’ imaginations. Best of all, kids and parents alike are invited to touch, handle, and even use artifacts to really bring history to life.
“It’s a great way for parents and children to interact,” says Jeff Durst, school and youth program coordinator for the museum.
Today’s program’s focus is on newspapers, and kids will be able to create their own news page. They’ll learn about the history — and the future — of newspapers in our state, starting just after the gold rush when William Byers founded the Rocky Mountain News.
The museum has copies of the original edition of the Rocky, printed April 23, 1859. The museum also has plenty of more recent newspapers on hand for kids to explore.
“Kids can cut out articles and photos and create their own layout or theme,” Durst says. “We’ll look at the current copy of The Denver Post, and look at Internet websites so they can compare modern media.”
Kids also will be able to create journals to serve as reporters’ notebooks, and type on an antique typewriter.
The hope is that after typing up their notes and laying out a news page, youngsters will have a new perspective on news media in Colorado.
Today’s event will be held on the main floor, where visitors also can view pieces from William Byers’ printing press that were salvaged after it washed away in the 1864 Cherry Creek flood.
“Let’s Make History”
Hands-on kids history programs happening every Saturday at the Colorado History Museum.
Where: 1300 Broadway, Denver
When: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free for kids 12 and under on Saturdays, $5 for adults and $4 for senior.
Information: Call 303-866-3682 or visit .
