History Adventures

Littleton Museum summer programs have been a tradition for over 40 years and continue to bring fond memories to past participants. These day-long activities are open to 12 kids per session and require prior registration to attend. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. A benefit of Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum membership is early registration.

History Adventures help our participating “Explorers” understand the various experiences of people from the past who have called Colorado home, through hands-on activities and instruction from costumed historical interpreters.

All sessions are from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and cost $50 per day per child. 

Registration Open Dates:

Sessions:

This Session is Full: Two-Day Camp: Tuesday, June 13 - Wednesday, June 14, 2023: Life on the Farm. 

[Same registrants attend both days]   

Ages: 8 – 12  

(Note: The cost for this two-day camp is $100 per child) 

Explorers will discover about the day-to-day work that went into running a 19th century farm. From the early settlement in the Kansas Territory in the 1860s to the family farm of the 1890s in Littleton, children will step back in time to learn about the skills needed for farm life in Colorado.  

Explorers will work with the historic interpreters to care for the animals, prepare an historic recipe, build a fire, and attend a lesson in Littleton’s first schoolhouse. Participants will record their thoughts in their pioneer journals and come away with a greater understanding of a child’s life in the 1800s.  

Tuesday, July 11, 2023: Military Day   

Ages: 9 – 13  

It is 1861 and Explorers have been pulled back through time, to the beginning of the Civil War. During this session children will learn about the rigors of military life in the 1860s. Explorers will learn about the material culture of the Union Army, how to march, set up a tent, build a fire, and make camp biscuits.  

This camp will focus heavily on military drills, as well as soldier games to help participants understand a little of the soldier’s experience. Selected excerpts from journals will be read and participants will have the opportunity to keep their own journals.  

This Session is Full: Tuesday, July 25, 2023: Cow Camp

Ages: 8 – 12

Saddle up! This session will focus on western cattle culture and the jobs that cowboys, cowgirls, and vaqueros have done for hundreds of years. Not many people realize that one of the major cattle trails runs through Colorado. The Goodnight/Loving Trail, established by Texas cattleman Charlie Goodnight, passed through Pueblo and Denver.  

This adventure will teach Explorers the skills that cowboys had to learn in order to manage a large herd traveling across the open plains. Explorers will learn to rope, cook camp biscuits, compose cowboy poetry, sing cowboy songs, and even ride in a barrel race with a stick horse they make themselves.  

This Session is Full: Tuesday, August 8, 2023: Art and History

Ages: 7 – 11   

Step into the role of an historic artist as the Littleton Museum combines art and history. In this session, Explorers will learn about some of the most important artists who visited Colorado in the 19th century. As we discover the stories surrounding these artists, kids will participate in a related art project. Painting, drawing, and crafting will be the skills needed for this journey into Colorado’s past.  

At the end of the day, Explorers will take home a portfolio of their work as well as short biographies of the artists that inspired their projects.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Should my child bring their lunch?  

• Yes, please send a lunch with your child. We do have a refrigerator to store their lunches in.
• Please make museum staff aware of any food allergies or other pertinent allergies prior to your child’s participation.   

What should my child wear?  

• Participants must wear closed-toed shoes to prevent possible injury from nails, wires, and other debris often found on the farmyards.   
• We strongly recommend a hat and sunscreen, as many areas on the farms where the activities take place are in direct sun.  

When and where is drop off and pick up?  

• Drop off is at the Education Doors on the eastern side of the museum (the windmill side).  
• Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. Pick up is in the same spot, at 3 p.m.  

My child has particular needs I'd like to discuss.

Please email Ryan Badger, Curator of Education and Interpretation, at rbadger@littletongov.org or call at 303-795-3711.

What if my family has to change their plans?

The 100% refund cutoff date is May 31.

After that, you will receive a 50% refund, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the camp session begins, by emailing Ryan Badger at rbadger@littletongov.org.