Playing with the past

DURHAM -- From pyramids to knights to car parts, local museums are plumbing the past in their summer programs for young people.

At Clarington Museum and Archives, the Explorers Club will seek out secrets of ancient civilizations, following in the footsteps of history’s great adventurers -- and even some from the future.

From July 21 to 25, it’s Tomb Raiders, with a look at medieval times as kids go from pages to knights, Egyptian pyramids and life on Mars. On Aug. 11 to 15, it’s X-treme Adventurers. Kids will explore the ocean depths with Jacques Cousteau, smash through the polar ice with Robert Perry on the way to the North Pole and venture across the great deserts.

The programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cost $30 per child per day or $125 per child per week. Before and after care is available for an additional cost.

To register, call 905-623-2734 or visit the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre at 62 Temperance Street, Bowmanville.

At Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, cars are front and centre this year, the 100th anniversary of the McLaughlin Buick. And Anne of Green Gables makes an appearance too in her 100th anniversary.

Kindred spirits is a Tuesday morning program that celebrates Canada’s love affair with Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908, the same year as R.S. (Col. Sam) McLaughlin produced the first Buick. The Parkwood program celebrates the meaning of friendship. Registration is $20 per child. The program is offered Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon on July 8, 15, 22, 29 and Aug. 12, 19, 26. The program is suitable for ages 5 through 10.

The Car Factory, on Friday mornings, looks at the influences of the McLaughlins on the automotive industry and includes windshields, axles and treads. Registration is $15 per child. The program is offered from 9:30 a.m. to noon on July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 8, 15, 22, 29.

The Faerie Tea is back this year, renamed Wee Ones. The program celebrates the fairy craze of the 1920s and examines the world of the faerie. The program runs mornings on July 10, 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 14, 21, 28. Registration is $15 per child and the program is suitable for ages 5 through 10.    
All three are dropoff/pickup programs. To register for the programs, call the Parkwood Business Office at 905-433-4311. www.parkwoodestate.com. Parkwood is located on Simcoe Street North, at Adelaide Avenue.

Oshawa Community Museum and Archives has archeology, knights and recycling and more this summer. On July 16, it’s Victorian Herbs and Crafts, with soap making, dream pillows and more. Children will get the chance to work in the museum’s heritage herb garden. Digging Up the Past on July 30 looks at archeology and ancient history, with children making their own artifacts, going on a nock dig and making bannock.

Eco-Days on Aug. 13 puts the emphasis on recycling and nature. Medieval Days and Knights, on Aug. 27, will see participants divide into feudal groups, try to invent cures of medieval disease and design a family crest.

The programs run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and cost $20 per child. They are aimed at ages 5 to 12.

For registration information, contact the museum at 905-436-7624 ext. 106.






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