New Second Saturday programs at the Michigan Historical Center in Lansing highlight many aspects of the special exhibit, "Conceived in Liberty," which takes its themes from the Gettysburg Address. The exhibit starts with the Battle of Gettysburg and follows Michigan soldiers through the end of the Civil War, and then turns to the war's end and the two decades that followed.
The programs are offered at the Michigan Historical Center, located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing, and are included with the cost of admission.
Second Saturday programs provide hands-on arts and crafts experiences for children on topics related to telling the stories of Michigan. All Second Saturday programs take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MHC. Families can drop in anytime during that period to participate.
The 2014-15 Second Saturdays lineup includes:
Nov. 8: Engineer the War
Learn about what it took to move hundreds of men through mountain ranges and across rivers during the Civil War. Discover the engineering behind the Civil War and try your hand at invention and tactical problem solving.
Dec. 13: Medic!
Investigate the tools of a Civil War medic. Learn what it was like to triage wounded soldiers in the 1860s.
Jan. 10: A Soldier's Kit
Discover what a Civil War soldier would have worn and carried. Try your skills at packing your kit and getting ready to march.
Feb. 14: Rail Car Rally
Learn how trains changed what Michiganians were eating after the Civil War. Design, create and test drive your own rail car.
March 14: Fruit Festival
With spring just around the corner, celebrate the return of green fields. Investigate planting and canning, and discover the different produce from Michigan's "fruit belt." Learn about the unique climate and new farm tools that led to booming fruit production in Michigan after the Civil War.
April 11: Soda Science
Without the Civil War, there would be no Vernors Ginger Ale. Learn about the Detroit pharmacist, James Vernor, and the new drink he concocted in 1866. Try your hand at creating your own tasty drink.
May 9: Historic Memorial Day Celebration
Discover how communities in Michigan commemorated the Civil War during some of the first Memorial Day celebrations.
June 13: Tool Time
Investigate carpentry and tools used in the Detroit furniture-building industry in the 1870s. Try your hand at building your own furniture.
July 11: Odd Inventions
Examine historic patents for some odd post-Civil War Michigan inventions. Become an inventor and build your own creation.
Aug. 8: All Things Dairy!
Explore all things dairy and try your hand at making homemade ice cream. Discover the farm techniques and machines that revolutionized dairy farming in the late 1860s.
The museum and visitor parking are on the north side of Kalamazoo Street, two blocks east of M. L. King Jr. Boulevard. Weekend parking is free.
The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Contact: Christiana Hanson, 517-241-6852 or Sandra Clark, 517-373-6362
