Children sample life on the prairie at Des Plaines History Center event
Des Plaines History Center is presenting a day in the life of Prairie Pioneers with the upcoming Hands on History. All children ages 5-12 and their families are invited to attend from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4 or Sunday, Sept. 8.
The history center's interpretive curator Emma Marston will talk about the experiences of Prairie Pioneers. She will describe chores and survival skills, and what pioneers needed to do to make their households and farms operate. Marston will also discuss what people did for fun on the frontier.
"As the United States began to expand westward, many intrepid families decided to make their way to the prairies and western frontiers to create a new life for themselves, despite the wildfires, untamed prairie soil and harsh winters that awaited them," said Marston. "I think this program will be a great way for children to get a better idea of the difficult, often dangerous work that went into building new homes on the prairie, and will help them understand why these pioneers have become such important figures in American history."
This program is free due to the generosity of VFW Post 2992.
The Des Plaines History Center is at 781 Pearson St., in Des Plaines.
"Hands on History" is a children's program meant to invite public participation and discussion on a broad range of historical topics per the history center's mission. The next children's activity will be "Digging up History" on Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 6.
For information visit www.desplaineshistory.org or call (847) 391-5399.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.