The Fort Dalles Museum docents enjoy dressing in period costume and going to local schools to give kids a look at what it was like to live in the 1870's. Left to right: Leona McManman, Mary Burslie Davis, Marie Best.

Educational Outreach history program for schools

Purpose

• To promote enthusiasm for learning history.
• To provide a hands on experience with antique artifacts.
• To let the children see the past which was once someone’s future.
• To give our youth a glimpse as to what Fort Dalles Museum/Anderson House has to offer.
• To allow the children to claim an ownership in their local museum.

Mrs. Anderson (Leona McManman) reads to students.

Andrew the Mouse (Mary Burslie Davis) tells students about his adventures.

Spinner Marie Best talks to children about the importance of history.

Program

Mrs. Anderson (Leona McManman) reads “The Adventure of Andrew the Anderson House Mouse” while Andrew the Mouse (Mary Burslie Davis) pantomimes the story. Our spinner, Marie Best, then talks to the children about the importance of learning history. She demonstrates how to spin wool and explains the various steps it takes to make the fiber usable for knitting. (Each child gets to handle the wool, spin on the wheel and keep a piece of wool.) The star of the show is a live angora rabbit, Cicero, which is kept out of view until it is time for his appearance. He is always greeted with shouts of glee. The children are thrilled that they are allowed to pet him. They are also able to handle the various items that are in the traveling trunk. A popular item has been the coffee grinder. A cast iron replica of a wood cook stove has proven popular also.

Each child is given an Andrew booklet and Andrew sticker. We have an Andrew coloring page and Andrew maze to use for younger grades and for older students a “Find the Word” puzzle is available - one with words associated with the Surgeon’s Quarters and one for the Anderson Homestead.

Our talented seamstress, Jeanne Moldenhauer Lovell, made outfits for Andrew and his friend Melvin. Melvin is a little stuffed mouse that “stands in” for Andrew at the museum when he is out having an adventure.

In the Anderson house, pictures of Andrew are placed by each item depicted in the Andrew booklet. Children look for his likeness and then a discussion often follows each find.

In-School Presentations

Andrew and his friends have received charming “Thank you” letters from students. They all want to visit the museum and see other “old stuff.” The following is a list of a few of the schools we gave presentations to last spring. If you would like to have your school included, please give us a call at 541-296-4547.

May 3, 2007 - Sonshine Academy
May 17, 2007 - Colonel Wright 4th grade
May 18, 2007 - Library Reading Program
May 23, 2007 - Dry Hollow 1st grade
May 30, 2007 - Sherman Co. class
May 31, 2007 - Dallesport 1st grade
June 6, 2007 - Dry Hollow 4th graders
June 6, 2007 - Out of town class room at Fort Dalles Museum

Would you like to help our Educational Outreach Program?

We are looking for a kind donor to help provide the following items on our Wish List:

Stereoscope to use in hands-on program

An “Andrew Song” written about the adventure of learning history.

Another Andrew Adventure booklet is being discussed. Perhaps Andrew’s Grandpa will tell about hiding in Dr. Brown’s medical bag and the things that he sees in the Surgeon’s Quarters at Fort Dalles.

Or call us to tell us about your talents and the ways you would like to help. We are always seeking volunteers and donations. Your contributions help us keep history alive!

Traveling Trunk with historical theme items.	Cicero the Rabbit is always a favorite.	Melvin the Mouse and his friend Andrew have a lot to teach kids about history.

Visit us at
Fort Dalles Museum and the Anderson Homestead
500 W. 15th Street and Garrison
The Dalles, Oregon 97058
Phone: 541-296-4547
fortdallesmuseum@netcnct.net