Students Invited To Attend

Colonial Life Workshop

In the last 300 years there have been many changes in the ways we make our livings and furnish our homes. How do we find out about what life was like in the past? Students will have a chance to listen and learn at the historic Matthew Curtiss House-Museum, on Monday, November 12 (Veteran’s Day observed, no school) when the Newtown Historical Society presents “Colonial Life,” a one-hour hands-on program just for kids.

The first workshop is designed for children in kindergarten through third grade and starts at 11 am. The second session for children in grades four through six begins at 12:30 pm. The Curtiss House is at 44 Main Street in Newtown.

After a brief introductory discussion contrasting some of the differences between life in the colonial period and life in modern Connecticut, students grades K-3 will focus on the differences between making clothing long ago and buying clothing today. This includes carding and spinning wool, and designing their own quilt square to bring home. Children in this session will also learn about colonial games and play with replica toys.

Students in grades four through six, following an introduction, will be divided into groups with each group receiving an identity box containing objects, documents, and three or four tasks for the group to perform. Tasks range from carding wool, writing a letter home from a patriot soldier, to designing a paper quilt. Each identity is based on a real person, or a fictional person based on historical research. One presenter from each group will discuss what the group has learned.

Light refreshments will be served after each session. This event is open to all appropriately aged students and is free of charge. Space is limited so early registration is necessary. Call the Newtown Historical Society at 426-5937 to register.