Summer adventure offers glimpse into the past

June 20, 2011—With its “Summer Adventures in History and Science” program, the Bradbury Science Museum teams up with community partners to offer unique, hands-on history and science experiences for the entire family that are as entertaining as they are educational.

Educators introduce children and adults to a world of discovery from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday in June and July. The adventures are free and explore a different topic each week.

"Homestead Era"

The third adventure, entitled “Homestead Era,” will take place June 21 on the Fuller Lodge lawn.

Visitors will get a fascinating glimpse into the history, heritage, and culture of frontier New Mexico. Los Alamos Historical Museum educator Samantha Hixson will explain the history and implications of the Homestead Act of 1862, which allowed those U.S. citizens who were older than 21 and heads of their household to file a claim for 160 free acres of land. In addition, visitors will see the 1913 Romero Cabin, which housed Victor and Refugio Romero and their six children.

Under the guidance of New Mexico artists, they'll also get a chance to try their hand at skills and crafts practiced by early homesteaders. Crafts include:

• leather working (Patty Kokesh)
• tin smithing (Ernesto Burciaga)
• wool working (Katy Blanchard)
• quilting (Bradbury Science Museum educator Liz Martineau)

In addition, there will be fabric squares for children to draw on. "The squares will be made into a quilt that will be put on display at the Fuller Lodge Art Center as part of the Summer Art Camp Showcase on August 22,” Hixson said.

Upcoming "Summer Adventures"

• June 28: PEEC’s Nature Play Day—Aquatic Center
• July 5: Ranch School Days—Historical Museum/Fuller Lodge
• July 12: Rocks—Bradbury Science Museum
• July 19: Manhattan Project—Historical Museum/Fuller Lodge
• July 26: Astronomy—Bradbury Science Museum
• August 22: Summer Art Camp Showcase—Fuller Lodge Art Center

No registration for “Summer Adventures” is needed, and participants are free to come and go as they wish between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Bradbury Science Museum is located at 15th Street and Central Avenue in downtown Los Alamos. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Admission is free.

For more information, call 606-1492 or go to the museum’s website. The Bradbury Science Museum is part of the Community Programs Office (CPO).