Activities and Workshops: Ages 5-7
Animals in our Community
10:00 am – 11:15 am
How have pets been part of our community? Students will look closely at historic paintings and photos from the CHS collection to uncover the stories of animals in our community throughout time. We will talk about K9 first responders, animals serving as a means of transportation, and helpers during war. Then, students will create a portrait of their own furry friend or favorite animal!
Museum Adventure
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
What makes a museum so special? Take a deep dive into the many aspects of a museum, from its exhibits to collections, and take on the role of a museum professional. Through scavenger hunts, games, and crafts, students will learn about the many things that make museums so interesting.
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Activities and Workshops: Ages 8-10
Animals at Work
10:00 am – 11:15 am
Now hiring all animals! Through crafts, activities, and close-looking at historic objects, children will learn about the many jobs animals have held throughout history, including service dogs, K9 first responders, carrier pigeons, and Connecticut’s hero Sergeant Stubby! Then, students will decorate a special pet accessory to celebrate Sergeant Stubby’s achievements!
What Makes a Museum?
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
What does it take to develop an exhibit? Students will get a chance to roll up their sleeves and be creative as they sort through a variety of artifacts, design their own museum, and explore the ins and outs of exhibits.
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Activities and Workshops: Ages 11-13
Museum Job: Design, Curate, and Educate
10:00 am – 11:15 am
Experience a day in the life of a museum professional! Students will try a variety of museum jobs, including a curator, exhibit developer, and museum educator. They will go into behind-the-scenes collections storage, learn some of the secrets behind our newest exhibition Hamilton Heroes and Villains, and create their own mini exhibit display.
Animals in Entertainment
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Lions, Tigers, and Bears, oh my! In this workshop, students will explore the CHS collection to uncover the roles of animals in circuses and fairs throughout history. Students will learn about animals serving as inspiration for mascots and comic book characters. Then, they will create their own mascot inspired by their favorite animal and decorate a sports pennant!
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Activities and Workshops: Ages 14+
Museums: The Work Behind it All
10:00 am – 11:15 am
What happens behind the scenes at a museum? Take a deep dive into exhibits and collections storage spaces to find out what it takes to keep a museum running! Students will experience the day-to-day life of a curator, exhibit developer, and museum educator through activities like designing a floorplan for an exhibit, writing a condition report, and developing their very own exhibit tour.
Animals in Show Business
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Do you have a favorite animal? What role have animals played in show business? Students will go behind the scenes into the museum’s storage areas and explore the history of animals as performers. Through close looking, students will discuss and uncover the good and the bad of this decades-old form of entertainment.
