Kids ages 7 to 11 can time travel each Wednesday in August through the History Explorer program that shows what it’s like to be a fireman, a circus performer, or to serve in the Revolutionary War. Held at the Niagara History Center at 215 Niagara St. in Lockport, each program runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a registration fee of $30 per child. A $5 off coupon is available in the Town of Lockport summer newsletter or on its website. Families can register for the history program by email at info@niagarahistory.org or by calling 434-7433.
This Wednesday, children will take part in “Firefighting History Day” by working in a bucket brigade, making a miniature fire truck and hydrant, playing a jeopardy game, and learning about fire trucks and equipment.
“We’re going to be hearing about Birdsill Holly,” said Ann Marie Linnabery, education coordinator at the Niagara History Center. “We have some Holly fire hydrants we’re going to show them. We have two fire pumpers in our barn and some older fire helmets.”
“Old Time Circus & Carnival Day” on Aug. 5 will highlight people from the area’s past who had roles in professional circuses, Linnabery said. This includes Mary Ellen Powers, who was once the world’s tallest woman at 7 feet, and the Seven Sutherland Sisters who sang together with long hair to their knees. Kids will play carnival games, try walking on stilts and a balance beam, make a miniature merry-go-round, and have their faces painted like a clown.
Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, on Aug. 12, children will learn about life as a soldier during the Revolutionary War. Volunteer and American Revolution re-enactor Karen Sherwood said kids will set up a one-man dog tent, sample peach cobbler made over a cooking fire, make imitation ammunition cartridges, and learn to “load” a wooden rifle.
Sherwood said she will show kids a re-enactment soldier’s uniform coats, tricorn hats, buckle shoes, and brogans, along with an authentic colonial cartridge box, bullet molds, ammunition balls and powder horns. Kids will see colonial-era flags and get to make their own patriotic flag design.
During the “Traitors and Spies of the Revolutionary War” program on Aug. 19, children will learn how the American Revolution was won with the help of spies. Kids will make devices to read and write secret messages, and see if they can spy without getting caught.
Linnabery said the program seeks to engage children with hands-on activities and opportunities to play outdoors. Children should bring a lunch and drink, with a snack provided each week.