Returning for its fourteenth summer, “Blast from the Past” will give kids ages 8-12 an opportunity to learn more about a wide variety of topics all tied to Marion history. Beginning on July 10, 2014 and continuing on each Thursday in July, a group of Marion County Historical Society volunteers will make Heritage Hall and other area venues come alive with fun activities with an educational focus.
The theme of this year’s Blast is “Traveling Through Yesteryear.” On July 10th, participants will “Travel Down to the Store” to learn about how the general store was the centerpiece of most communities. While visiting the Guthery General Store at Heritage Hall, participants will barter for items, learn how the general store met the needs of its community, and try to imagine what some old time “whats-its” were once used for. A tour of the Heritage Hall Civil War exhibit will complete the day’s activities.
Before automobiles were available, many people traveled by rail. On July 17th the Union Station on West Center Street will host Blast’s session of “Traveling the Rails” as we find out how the railroads changed people’s lives as well as the communities they served. We’ll also learn about the street car system and the interurban railways, enjoy a scavenger hunt, and learn how to play a harmonica.
On July 24th Blast participants will take a tour of Marion’s historic Fire Station #1 as they learn about “Traveling Safely”. A chance to learn about old-time as well as modern firefighting equipment and methods will be the focus. Participants will then return to Heritage Hall where they will meet some historic re-enactors portraying local fire and law enforcement officers. Hands-on experience with items used in law enforcement both now and in the past will also be part of the day’s events.
“Traveling Close to Home” will be the final session on July 31st. Students will learn how back yards have always been a center of activities throughout the years. The back yard of the Log House at the Marion County Fairgrounds will be our location as we learn about different kinds and uses of plants as well as enjoy games and other activities. Finally we’ll wrap up another year of Blast from the Past with a hot dog roast and some homemade lemonade.
Each session features a craft activity and a snack related to the topic of the day. In addition, this year’s participants will make an album filled with postcards, photographs, letters, and other neat items to become part of their personal “Travel Through Yesteryear.”
“It’s all hands-on learning,” Blast coordinator Randy Winland said. “It gets the kids involved with finding out more about our past, not just sitting in a chair and listening to someone talk.”
Morning sessions will be held from 9:30-11:30 and afternoon sessions from 1:00-3:00.
All programs are free, but pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, call Heritage Hall at 740-387-4255.
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