Life in southern California in the 1880s involved a lot of work—and play. From doing the laundry with a washboard and bucket to playing “button buzzer,” the San Bernardino County Museum’s education division introduces school groups and visitors to ways of life in our area experienced by early settlers and pioneers. This “1880s at Work and Play” program is an opportunity for volunteers aged 13 and older to step back in time and invite museum visitors to join them.
“Students and teachers have responded really well to this program,” said Curator of Education Jolene Redvale. “It fits directly into the history curriculum for grades 3-5, making it useful for teachers and meaningful for students.”
“1880s at Work and Play” will be offered on various weekday mornings from September through January, 2010. To prepare themselves to help with this program, new volunteers should attend an orientation session on Tuesday, September 15 from 9am to noon; a training session on Wednesday, September 23 from 9am to noon, and a dress rehearsal on Friday, September 25 beginning at 8:30am.
Home-schooled students over the age of 13 are also invited to volunteer for this program. Program content relates to the history curriculum for most levels, and museum educators will provide activities that parents can use in their home-school lessons. “We have had success with home-schooled students volunteering. Our visitors relate to youth volunteers, and they add diversity to our volunteer corps,” said Redvale.
For more information or to sign up, fill out and submit a Museum Volunteer application form available at the museum’s front desk or at www.sbcountymuseum.org. Prospective volunteers can also contact Jolene Redvale, curator of education, at (909) 307-2669 ext. 252, or jredvale@sbcm.sbcounty.gov, for more details. Teachers interested in scheduling field trips for their students to participate in the 1880s program can call (909) 307-2669 ext. 256.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 or TDD (909) 792-1462.
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