No this is not my car.
History is boring, right?
And the Virginia Historical Society must be boring too.
Right?
Connor says there’s too much work to do so he can’t smile!
Absolutely NOT according to my 10, 8 and 3 year old grandchildren! After spending 2 hours at the Virginia Historical Society on Monday with the kids and their mother, we all have a new appreciation for history and all there is to see and do at VHS.
All 3 kids had a great time browsing through the history.
Our first stop was to check out the life-like cabin as we entered the Museum. The kids loved the wooden benches, brick fireplace, and iron kettles and skillets. A quick viewing of the educational movie about the first settlement kept them mesmerized before we headed out on our exploration. My grandson was particularly excited with the arrowheads, rocks, and wooden tools. He decided that was something that he and his Papa (my husband) could make too.
After a little more walking around, we came upon the magnificent “dollhouse” as our 3-year old described it. With walls, ceiling, chimneys, and furniture made to scale, it was unbelievable. All 3 kids had fun talking about what they would do if they lived in that house and what they thought kids did many years ago. It was fun to watch them excitedly peering through the windows and walls of the house.
Gas at $.17????
Before long, the children found some fun dress-up clothes and had a great time pretending they lived in the old days. Or course, Connor was quite serious in his uniform and was ready for duty when called. And then we were off again – this time the kids stopped at the old cabin with the spinning wheel and lots of fun discoveries throughout. This is where they learned the real meaning and origin of “pop goes the weasel” (you’ll have to visit the Museum to find the answer to this!).
It wasn’t long before their eyes fell on transportation from yesteryear – the beautifully restored carriage and car caught their attention. (Everything was going well until one of them asked, “Did you have one of those when you were young Gigi?” I decided it was time to rush them past this exhibit.)
The house was unbelievable – especially to this 3 year old.
Stepping into the room to explore George Washington and Thomas Jefferson led to lots of animated conversation as they tried to answer the trivia questions beneath each display. They were excited to see the Declaration of Independence display because Emma had studied it in school last year, and she told us all about it.
We continued to meander through the Museum and saw some amazing things. Unfortunately, some of those things that were so “old” to them were etched in my memory from my grandmother’s house! The old stainless steel cookie jar, a sparkling silver toaster, and an old iron could have been taken right from my grandmother’s kitchen cupboard. Even the candy-apple red gas pump looked familiar as I remember a similar one on my grandfather’s farm.
Even games at the VHS!
Glimpses of history beautifully displayed at the Virginia Historical Society gave way to conversation, discovery, and learning for all 3 children. Even the youngest one enjoyed every minute and never tired of exploring the many rooms of history. As they headed out the main entrance and into the sunlight, they all said they couldn’t wait to come back.
That says it all!
The Virginia Historical Society is filled with fun and entertainment. It’s a place where kids learn through exploration and curiosity. And it’s a place where teachers will find unbelievable resources and tools to inspire children to want to learn more about history. I’m sure we’ll be making lots of visits back this year with kids in 2nd and 4th grades.
If you haven’t been to the Virginia Historical Society lately, it’s time to check it out and see what’s new (or old!). And if you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat.
Did I mention it’s free fun? What could be better!
