The Bayside Historical Society (BHS) is getting children of all ages interested in learning about history.
“I think if you appeal to the experiential side of learning . . . it becomes part of them [the children],” said BHS vice president of education Denise Johnson. “I think you have to personalize it and you work from the inner core of the person. Once you ignite that little light, I think it remains.”
There are several ways that BHS is trying to ignite that light among students.
Through “Grandmother’s Trunk,” students in kindergarten through fifth grade are able to look at artifacts and nostalgic items from the turn of the 20th century. When the trunk was first developed, it traveled to local schools for teachers to use. Since BHS completed its reconstruction around 2000, it has been housed there for students to visit.
Another program gives older students a chance to develop their investigative studies skills. BHS has on-site archives with materials that are in protective shades so that the students can handle them. Johnson explained that they investigate items left behind by the Bell family and sometimes even contact living family members for more information.
“It’s authentic research,” Johnson said.
A new feature of the BHS is a gallery space specifically for children, which opened last February. Young visitors can see a Victorian dollhouse and even dress up in period clothing. Additionally, the space includes photographs, toys, dolls, kitchen utensils, puzzles and literature.
Johnson said that the idea behind the space was to bring history alive for BHS’s younger visitors.
“It’s a walk back into time,” she said. “They get completely immersed in it, totally engaged.”
Families interested in bringing their children to the gallery space must call in advance to make an appointment.
Coming up, BHS will be hosting an event that people of all ages can enjoy – their annual summer law concert. This free event will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 6 p.m.
The Bayside Historical Society is located at 208 Totten Avenue in Fort Totten. For more information on BHS, including its educational programming and membership opportunities, visit www.baysidehistorical.org or call 718-352-1548. BHS will be operating on a limited schedule in July, so visitors are encouraged to call or visit the website prior to their trip.
