The Old State House Museum has many activities for kids. The Wilderness gallery is pretty cool. Grandmother's Cottage is a hands-on area where you can play with fun items from almost a century ago. Our 1836 House of Representatives is 150 years old and has a video presentation of the famous events that occurred there. Also check out the state-of-the-art interactive-DVD kiosks throughout the museum. You might even want to show your parents how to work them. As for our Web site:
- Get the scoop on the new Send You Back to Arkansas cd-rom, a 2-disc set that includes artist photographs, concert video clips, and a jukebox with 24 tracks of blues, country, folk, gospel, jazz and rock music.
- Test your skill guessing the meaning of old-fashioned words or play a game of Arkansas History Jeopardy.
- Try your hand making an old-fashioned paper snowflake, a Victorian Christmas ornament, or design your own quilt square
- Or browse the Arkansas News, our award-winning history publication for 5th and 8th graders
Events
Saturday, June 6
Arkansas Statehood Celebration -1836
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Old State House Museum
300 W. Markham, Little Rock
Experience a day at the State House in 1836 as Arkansans come to town for their day in court. Participate in actual court cases throughout the day. See a duel on the front lawn. Ongoing activities include: visits with the clerk to register for a land deed or marriage license; meetings with local attorneys who vie for business; meeting the local constable and exploring punishment options for those 1836-residents who break the law; 19th century writing techniques; and Historic Games like Skittles, Trap Ball and Horseshoes. See the 1836 Arkansas State Constitution on exhibit, courtesy of the Arkansas History Commission. Admission is free. (501) 324-9685
July 13 – 17 & July 20 – 24
Summer Fun Youth Enrichment Classes
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. daily
Old State House Museum
300 W. Markham, Little Rock
Old State House CSI: Join the Old State House Junior Cadets for one week this summer. Discover the history of Arkansas law and justice. Activities include analytical observation, field trips, forensic identification, investigative techniques, physical training and problem solving. Cadets will graduate after closing a final case.
Cost: $75. (501) 324-9685
July 13 – 17 (Grades 7 – 10 rising)
July 20 – 24 (Grades 4 – 6 rising)
Registration Deadline: June 26