‘Hands-On History Day’ at Christ Church July 22
Historic Christ Church in Irvington will hold its annual “Hands-On History Day” on Thursday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children ages 6-12 are invited to explore the history of Christ Church and colonial Virginia through a variety of exciting hands-on activities.
Participants will learn about archaeology and its role in studying colonial Virginia by examining some of the original artifacts connected to the church and Robert Carter’s “Corotoman” mansion, which burned in 1729. Next, participants will try their own hand at archaeology by excavating “shoebox” archaeological sites filled with artifacts representative of the colonial period.
The program will then explore the different technologies colonial craftsmen used to build Christ Church, particularly brickmaking. After examining the church’s walls, participants will use molds and clay to shape their own bricks, just like Robert Carter’s brickmaker James Bryan did in the kilns he set up at Christ Church in 1724-1726.
Inside the new museum, children will learn how to construct a brick wall like the one at Christ Church. They also will lay out a compass-arch with keystone, and use mortise and tenon joints to connect the pieces of a model king-post roof truss.
Several other exciting activities round out “Hands-On History Day.” In a tour of the church’s interior, participants will make grave rubbings from two 17th-century tombstones at Christ Church. They also will try on clothing and play games children had in colonial Virginia.
At the end of the day, Christ Church will sponsor a pizza party for all participants. Each child will also receive a souvenir pencil and bookmark from Christ Church.
“Hands-On History Day” is a free event. All participants must pre-register. Space is limited to the first 25 children to register. To register or for more information, contact Robert Teagle, education director, at 438-6855, visit http://www.christchurch1735.org, or email rteagle @ christchurch1735.org.
