On Saturdays Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, the museum will host holiday “Drop and Shop” kids programs.
From 10 to 12 a.m. each of those days, shopping parents can drop their kids off at the museum. The children will spend two hours in the museum’s new “hands on history” children’s gallery doing holiday activities and educational programs.
Matt Edwards, museum director, said there will be craft making, guided reading, and plenty of time to explore the gallery. Some children may be led on tours through parts of the museum.
He said, “This is a great opportunity for kids to experience the new gallery and maybe even visit the museum for the first time, and for parents to have a chance to shop without worrying about what to do with the kids.”
The museum is offering the program on a limited schedule this year. “Drop and Shop” is open to kids ages 4 to 8. Space will be limited to 20 kids each day, so advance reservations are strongly encouraged. However, walk-ins will be accepted until the sessions are full.
The cost of the program is $10 per child and includes crafts and activities.
Nancy Davis, administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator for the museum, said this is the first time the museum has held such a program. She said new director Edwards was primarily responsible for its creation.
Edwards said, “We thought it seemed like a good thing to do.”
The hands-on gallery for children on the third floor of the museum just opened last month, and Edwards said he is working to spread the word about it.
“This is a good opportunity to introduce it to the public and ... provide a service,” Edwards remarked.
He also believes the program might encourage more people to shop downtown.
With three young children himself, Edwards said he realizes how tough it is to find time to shop during the holidays.
He said, “From a practical standpoint, you can’t hire a baby-sitter for what we’re doing with an educational program.”
According to Edwards there will be several museum staff members and Girl Scouts on hand to watch the children and lead them in activities.
“Drop and Shop” is a pilot program at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. Edwards said they are starting small, but if it does well the museum can expand the program next year.
The new hands-on gallery opened in November and has been well-received by the public, Edwards said. He has noticed that many people are coming to the museum with their children to visit the third floor. The Friday after Thanksgiving was one of the busiest days at the museum according to employees.
When the gallery opened with its preview event in November, children quickly began taking advantage of the toys designed for learning such as life-size Lincoln Logs, a giant doll house, period clothing, and puppets.
In addition to the children’s gallery the third floor of the museum now houses exhibits on subjects such as winemaking, textiles, and farming.
For more information on “Drop and Shop” or to make reservations, contact Nancy Davis at 786-4478, extension 229.
Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.
Post a Comment
