Historical Society to offer summer day camps

From Native Americans to the American revolution, the Bartholomew County Historical Society’s scheduled summer day camps, presented free to enrollees, offer a wide lens to the area’s past — and how it connects to the present.

The hands-on, first-time camps are for students going into grades three through six, according to organizers. Registration deadline is 4 p.m. the Tuesday before the date.

All will meet at the historical society museum, 524 Third St. in downtown Columbus.

Diane Robbins, the historical society’s executive director, hopes to make the classes an annual happening.

“With this being the first year for this, we know it might take just a little time for it to really catch on,” Robbins said.

Classes will run on the date listed from 3 to 4 p.m. rain or shine with a maximum size of 20 people. Organizers are asking that participants be prepared for outdoor activities. Drop off and pickup should be at the beginning and end of each class.

A grant from the Landmark Farms Foundation is covering the expense.

In the past, the historical society also has offered several-day camp programs such as “Time Travelers” at its Henry Breeding Farm near Edinburgh.

The class schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday – Hands on History featuring our 1926 Ford TT Truck. The TT stands for truck-tractor.

• June 19 – Juneteenth: Slavery’s Underground Railroad and Bartholomew County. June 19 is the actual anniversary date for Juneteenth, marking the official end of slavery in the United States.
• June 26 – Native Americans in Indiana.

• July 10 – Pack your Wagon – Onward to Indiana. Covering how a family might load a wagon with needed belongings for a cross-country trip.

• July 17 – Candle making.

• July 24 – Historic games, from jump rope and hopscotch to something known as hoop and stick.
• July 31 – “Soldiers through time: The American Revolution Through Modern Day.”

Registration in advance is required.

Information: 812-372-3541 or bartholomewhistory.org