2010 Calendar of Events

PRAIRIE STORIES
Saturday, September 18, 2010 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Enjoy a day of family fun at the Early American Museum as you do work and play from an earlier time. Dress in old-time clothes; listen to the strains of Banjulele as they play old-time songs of Illinois; dip candles; make and eat a hush puppy; churn butter and try many old-time crafts. Wander down Blacksmith Row as they each create works of art or necessity and show their skills and individual talents. Participate in a raffle for beautiful hand-forged utensils that can be used for cooking or display and donated by the Dewitt County Area Blacksmiths. The annual dog house building project will once again take place with everyone who helped build it entered into a drawing to take it home. Go for hikes through the prairie and learn about the history of the prairie in Illinois and the plants and animals that call it home. Don't miss this fun-filled day. Free program

ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN AMERICAN ART
Sunday, October 10, 2010 2:00 P.M.

In this presentation, Mark Pohlad traces the image of Abraham Lincoln in the history of American art. From Mathew Brady's photographs, to statues by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, to paintings by contemporary artists such as Ed Paschke, the sixteenth President has been the subject of many important American works of art. Besides description and analysis of these pieces, this lively multimedia presentation will also involve history, art, media, and the biography of Abraham Lincoln. Free program

NOVEMBER MOON
Saturday, November 13, 2010 4:30-6:00 P.M.

Enjoy the magic of a fall evening program. We'll spend much of the time at a bonfire if weather permits. A special visitor will involve guests in stories of an earlier time and special places. Cost $5.00 per person.
Pre-registration is required.

THE GIFT OF THE SILK WORM, PART II
Sunday, November 21, 2010 1:00-4:00 P.M.

Join us for a program on silk spinning techniques and things that can be created with silk worm silk. Bring gifts you need to wrap and learn the art of ribbon sewing as you create your own gift wrap for those one of a kind gifts. Free program

TO GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WE GO
Saturday, December 4, 2010 1:00-4:00 P.M.

Join our annual holiday program where children can make and take ornaments or presents for family members. Each year we provide ideas for new gifts and ornaments. A gift wrap station will be available too. Our storyteller will spin stories of the past and the day will end with a Christmas carol or two. Free program

SECOND SUNDAY ARTISAN SERIES
Free programs

Sunday, August 8, 2010 3:00-6:00 P.M.
From 3:00-5:00, visit with artist, Mary Tangora, and jewelry light as sea foam and stars and as down to earth as fossil and natural stone. Co-owner of Wind, Water and Light Gallery in Champaign. Artwork for sale. Then head to the garden and choose your own tunes from David Howie's songbook. David plays covers of popular songs from the 1970s until today.

HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS

PRAIRIE ADVENTURES
Friday, September 24, 2010 9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
The District education staff presents Prairie Adventures as a multidisciplinary experience, incorporating settlers' harvesting, prairie animals and prairie plants. Investigate Buffalo Trace (the prairie across from the museum), witness a prairie burn demo, see/touch harvesting tools and bison bones!

Most of it will be outdoors, with signficant walking, so dress appropriately. It is recommended for children 8 years old and up, with parental accompaniment suggested. No toddlers or strollers. Fee is $3.00 per child; for further information and to register call Sandy at 217-586-2612.

OREGON TRAIL
Wednesdays, October 27 and November 3, 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Enhance your westeard movement currculum with this 2-part offering. Through primary documents, exhibits, discusssion, and activities, you will gain perspective on this event in our history. If you have participated in our settler course, this is a great follow-up for the 8 to 15 year-old. Chronologically it ends with the Civil War period which will be offered the following Spring. (Participation in any one of these classes is definitely not dependent on having taken any of the others.)

There will be a homework assignment to complete between the classes. It is designed for children ages 8 and older, with parental accompaniment suggested. The fee is $8.00 per child, which covers both days and materials. Registration and payment due October 20. For further informaiton and to register, call Sandy at 217-586-2612.

BY THE BOOKS
December 1, 9:30-12:00 P.M.
In preparation for this morning, your family will read one of more of the following Christmas and winter themed books: Christmas in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilders; Kirsten's Surprise, from The American Girls Collection; Prairie Christmas, by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk; A Prairie Boy's Winter, by Wiliam Kurelek; the Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. (All of these books, and many more similar options are available through the Lincoln Trails Library System. Don't all wait until the last minute!

On December 1st, we will briefly discuss the books, see some artifacts that will look familiar from the books and do many activities "By the Books." You may even come dressed up as one of your favorite characters! This will be a great experience filled day with Christmas/winteractivities (some outside!) not usually done at the museum.

It is recommended for ages 2 and up, with parental accompaniment required. Fee is $3.00 per child; registration and payment due November 19. For further information and to register, call Sandy at 217-586-2612.

Spring 2011 programs

CIVIL WAR
Fridays, March 4 and 11, 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Although Illinois saw no Civil War battles, our state was directly and signficantly impacted by the war. We will focus on the effects of the Civil War on Champaign County citizens. Components include exploring our Civil War exhibit, businesses, lives of farmers and soldiers and period music provided by dulcimer player Hillary Valentine. This is a two part class with homework to do between sessions-you will attend both sessions.

This classs is designed for students interested in and/or studying the Civil War, and is aimed at the fourth grade through Junior High level. Parental accompaniment is recommended. Fee is $8.00 per child, which covers both days and materials. Registration and payment due February 25, 2011. For further information and to register, call Sandy at 217-586-2612.