Students have a chance to sharpen their research and writing skills during two different day camps this summer at the State Historical Museum of Iowa.
Participants in the Junior Curator Day Camp and Young Writers' Workshop will have a chance to go behind the scenes at the museum to examine historical artifacts, dig deep into historical research and more. They will learn from experts how to uncover stories from the past and share them in compelling ways. More information about both programs follows:
Junior Curator Day Camp
June 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Register online by June 3.
July 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Register online by July 1.
Ages: 9-12 years old (entering grades 4-6).
Each camp is limited to 12 participants. $50 per person.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to create and run a museum? Young historians can discover why museums are so important as they test out the roles of curators, conservators and exhibit designers at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Participants will have a unique opportunity to investigate historic artifacts, explore the museum's collection vault and learn about Iowa's exciting history. At the end of the day, participants will create an exhibit for temporary display.
Young Writers' Workshop
June 15-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Register online by June 8.
Ages: 12-18 years old (entering grades 7-12).
Limited to 12 participants. $200 per person (scholarships may be available).
How can real history inspire creative fiction? Students will find out when they join award-winning author Stephanie Hemphill of Chicago for the Young Writers’ Workshop at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Participants will tour the museum’s archives, discover the stories behind artifacts in the "Iowa History 101" exhibition and weave the past into historical fiction. Throughout the week, participants will get to know each other through icebreakers, collaborative writing exercises and constructive feedback. They will conclude the week by reading their stories for an audience and joining friends and family for a reception.
The State Historical Museum of Iowa is located at 600 E. Locust St. in Des Moines, It is overseen by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. More information is available at iowaculture.gov or 515-281-5111.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its three divisions – the Iowa Arts Council, Produce Iowa - State Office of Media Production and the State Historical Society of Iowa – empower Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department’s work enables Iowa to be recognized as a state that fosters creativity and serves as a catalyst for innovation where the stories of Iowa are preserved and communicated to connect past, present and future generations. iowaculture.gov