Summer 2010 is gonna be a fun one, with the help of Kate & Kate plus eight. That’s right: Two moms (with the same one-syllable name) and eight offspring. Some of these adventures we’ll have together, some apart. Our goal is to bring you at least one weekly FREE or LOW-COST way to have fun in Richmond.
Trip One: VA Historical Society.
428 North Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220
Mail: P.O. Box 7311, 23221-0311 | Phone: 804.358.4901
Tuesday–Saturday 10–5 | Sunday 1–5 (galleries & shop only)
Cost: FREE
Recommended Ages: 5+
How We Did It: One mom, three kids ages 3-8
It was a sultry-hot morning, the first day of summer vacation in fact, and a trip down to the Boulevard, into the VA Historical Society was a great escape from the blazing rays of the sun.
We entered into a marbled hall, guards standing at the sides, and I admit I was a bit worried at how my hooligans–aged three, five, and eight, would behave in this beautiful, historic venue. Unfortunately, this hall ECHOES. Luckily our host greeted us and quickly ushered us into an area that was exquisite and less, how shall we say, echo-ey.
I was amazed at the sheer number of VA Historical Society Exhibits. It’s pretty fascinating to see this much history packed into one building. The first room was an amazing array of odd and interesting stuff that’s been donated to the museum: it’s called Bizarre Bits. And it lives up to it’s name. A wreath made of hair, the bullet that killed the first confederate war soldier, and a funky contraption that looked like an apple-slicer-peeler that alleviated headaches. Yikes. This area was much more interesting for my eight-year-old and I; the little kids are too young to really appreciate this–but it’s really worth relishing if you have the time.
The Silver in Virginia exhibit, a long-term exhibit, was truly sparkling, but not a great venue for my crazy kids. So I had to admire it out of the corner of my eye as they raced onto the next exhibit.
Being a lover of people stories, I particularly enjoyed Head and Tales
This is a discover of the tales of the lives of five who led incredible lives. A must-see.
Heading downstairs (and I’m skipping a lot, because, let’s face it, the kids would not let me linger!) We found the place the kiddos just loved: The Story of Virginia, complete with old-time cabin, Indian spearheads, and other cool stuff that they were actually allowed to touch (gently). They loved dressing up in the colonial wear–the hats were awesome. They especially loved the touch-screen computers that allowed them to quiz themselves on what they learned.
Being digital-addicts, they love anything touch-screen, but as we tested (and re-tested!) on many of the questions they found they really were learning a bit about Virginia history. And still having fun. They started getting pretty rowdy, and their patience was wearing thin, so we had to move on after about an hour. But it was a great hour, and I want to return with my five-and-eight-year-olds, who will have a bit more patience and can explore on their own.
We also thought the Child Labor in Virginia photos were interesting. Heck, maybe we should reinstitute? KIDDING. Kind of.
My three-year-old WAS able to sit down for a few seconds to be fascinated with the street-car we actually were able to climb on and take a seat in. We learned that Richmond had the first electric streetcar in the nation! Had no idea. Wish we still had ‘em-cool way to see the city, I bet. But I think next time we’ll come when she’s napping; it’s hard to appreciate all that beauty when you’re just a little tike.
Can’t get there to visit? There are lots of free cool online exhibits, too.
Week 2: Half Pint Kids Club at Whole Foods
