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Contact: Meagan Huff, Assistant Curator, (360) 816-6255
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site's "Little Learners" program, which debuted in spring 2018, will resume at the site beginning in September 2018. This program has proven to be one of the national park's most popular offerings for young children. Led by National Park Service Curator Meagan Huff, Little Learners aims to teach both children and their caregivers about the fascinating stories behind the park's museum collection of archaeological and historic artifacts.Designed for children ages 3 to 6, each program includes a short introductory talk, a story reading, craft or activity, and the chance to see real archaeological and historic artifacts from the park's museum collection. Each program takes place at 2 pm inside the Counting House at Fort Vancouver, and lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
"National parks are great places to bring young children, with lots of opportunities to learn and explore outside of a classroom setting," said Huff. "We will be using fun, contemporary children's books to make connections between the present and the past at Fort Vancouver. For adult caregivers and families, we hope this program will help to spark conversations about history, archaeology, and national parks."
Schedule
All programs take place at 2 pm and last for approximately a half hour.
Thursday, September 27, 2018Book: Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner Did you know that a large pond used to be located next to Fort Vancouver? When it was excavated by archaeologists, thousands of artifacts were found in the pond! Join us to learn more about this forgotten landscape feature, take a rain-or-shine walk across the Land Bridge, over the former location of the pond, and earn a junior ranger badge by playing trail bingo! Thursday, October 25, 2018Book: Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh Imagine only being able to communicate with your family through letters! See letters from the national park's museum collection, and make your own postcard to send to a friend. Thursday, December 27, 2018Book: Windows by Julia Denos What would you see if you peeked through the windows at Fort Vancouver? Join a national park curator to learn about life at Fort Vancouver and see artifacts used by the people who lived here. Then, make your own colorful window to take home. Thursday, January 24, 2018Book: An Orange in January by Dianna Hutts Aston Many items were imported to Fort Vancouver, and came from places around the world. Trade beads were made in Europe, then brought by ship on a months-long journey to the fort, where they were used to decorate clothing. Join us to make your own beaded item, while learning about how Fort Vancouver was connected to the wider world! Thursday, February 28, 2019Book: Little Beaver and the Echo by Amy MacDonald Fort Vancouver was built with one goal in mind: trapping beavers! Learn about the tough lives of fur trade voyageurs and their families, and make your own beaver mask to take home! Thursday, March 28, 2019Book: Please, Puppy, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee The people who lived at Fort Vancouver and Vancouver Barracks kept dogs as pets and mascots. See an outfit worn by "Bridget," a canine mascot of the 23rd Spruce Squadron during World War I, and make a paper bag dog puppet to take home! Thursday, April 25, 2019Book: Whose Moon is That? by Kim Krans Like the moon, national parks belong to everyone! Learn about what national parks protect, and about each element of the National Park Service arrowhead. Then, design your own arrowhead showing the things you think should be protected. Thursday, May 23, 2019Book: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett Sometimes archaeologists don't find many artifacts, but sometimes they find truly spectacular artifacts! See some spectacular Spode ceramics from the park's archaeological collection, and decorate your own "Spode" plate to take home! |
Details
What: Little Learners at Fort Vancouver, a preschooler-friendly exploration of archaeology and history.
Where: Fort Vancouver, 1001 E Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
Cost: Entrance fees to the reconstructed fort are $7 per person; youth ages 15 and under are free. If your group is interested in attending multiple programs, the $30 Fort Vancouver Annual Pass allows for a year of free admission to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site for the passholder and up to three adults.
Other details: In good weather, this program may be relocated to an outdoor area outside the fort. On the day of the program, inquire at the Contact Station inside the fort gates. No reservations are required for this program. This program is not intended for large groups. Caregivers must remain with their children for the duration of the program. For more information, contact Fort Vancouver National Historic Site curator Meagan Huff at (360) 816-6255 or by e-mail.
Last updated: September 13, 2018