The Norfolk History Club aims to increase children’s interest in history through fun activities.
The club, launched earlier this year by Norfolk County Archives, offers children and parents the opportunity to explore the history of the local area from the comfort of their homes.
“Children are very curious and we hope to harness that curiosity and engage them with these fun historical activities,” said Joshua Klar, archivist at the Norfolk County Archives. “Children love stories and history can be taught through storytelling. Children can take in a lot of information through stories and narratives and we’re trying to tap into that.”
Monthly packages that include interactive learning activities are mailed to participating families.
“Each month we develop a certain theme and each package is based on a particular theme, this month’s theme is all about local historical mysteries,” he said.
Each package contains puzzles, games, bookmarks, stickers and more.
The program costs $20 per child. However, families can also purchase a yearly $52 family membership, which can include the enrollment of two children without having to pay the flat rate. The membership includes other discounts and benefits across all of the county’s museums and the archives.
Activity packages are developed for children between the ages of six and 10. However, younger children are able still able to participate in the program.
Packages will be mailed to registered families until the end of the calendar year.
Klar said the program feedback has been positive with parents sharing images on social media of their children interacting with their activity package.
Klar encourages residents of the county to register their children in the program before the Mar 31 deadline.
Registration can be completed at bit.ly/348x3NG. Parents can also enroll their children by visiting The Norfolk County Archives or any county museum.
“We hope the content is so interesting that the parents can enjoy learning about the history of Norfolk County too,” said Klar. “The content of the program is all about local history.”