Buttonwoods Museum Sets Summer Slate of Eco-Friendly Programs for Kids

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This program is supported in part by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Community Spotlight is heard quarter past every hour on 97.9 WHAV. Greater Haverhill non-profit organizations are invited to submit news of events, fundraising appeals and other community calendar announcements. Click to use the Submit News Tip form to submit your information.

Buttonwoods Museum wants to help Haverhill families banish summer boredom with a series of new, eco-friendly programs aimed at kids between ages 6-12.

Starting on Thursday, July 13, Buttonwoods will host the first of its half-day “Past Finders” summer programs, taking place during a morning session from 9 a.m. to noon, or in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.

For the July 13 session, participants will explore the history and ecology of the Merrimack River. Weather permitting, children will tour the 1814 Duncan House and walk along the Buttonwood Trail in search of wildlife. Later, Museum staff will teach participants about buoyancy when building boats out of recycled materials.

Other scheduled activities include:

Tuesday, July 25 (1 to 4 p.m.): Gadgets & Contraptions – Attendees will explore Museum gadgets and make their own!

Thursday, July 27 (9 a.m. to noon): His Story & Her Story – Throwback Thursday! In this session, children will play games popular during their parents’ and grandparents’ day. At registration, participants will be given a questionnaire to interview an older relative or neighbor, with findings discussed at the session.

Thursday, Aug. 17 (1 to 4 p.m.): Very Victorian – Dress in costume, enjoy tea and make Victorian-era crafts at this afternoon session detailing the late 19th century.

Thursday, Aug. 24 (9 a.m. to noon): Early American Life – Just like Colonial kids, this session’s participants will do household chores and make crafts in the 1710 John Ward House while learning about Colonial history.

The cost of each “Past Finders” session is $15 for non-members and $10 for museum members, including a snack. Participants are asked to attend in play clothes and wear sunblock. For more information or to register, email [email protected]. The registration deadline is one week prior to each activity.