What do you get when you cross the Michigan History Center and the TinkrLAB? A partnership that makes history.
The Michigan History Center continues to reimagine its history programming and encourage kids to make history while learning history. Its partnership with TinkrLAB – the children's creativity space in the We Love Kids n Dogs store in Okemos – offers a "maker" experience during current Second Saturday programming at the Michigan History Museum in downtown Lansing.
The TinkrLAB Second Saturday programming will begin Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with "Toy Hacking." The drop-in program will provide used toys for participants to take apart and remix into new toys. Each Second Saturday activity is free with admission to the center's Michigan History Museum.
"The Michigan History Center and TinkrLAB both believe in learning through experience," said Michigan History Center Director Sandra Clark. "This partnership combines the inspiration of our state's past inventors and tinkerers with TinkrLAB's focus on making the future. Each month we will collaborate to provide children and their families with a new, unusual experience."
Imagining new objects that can be made from existing ones is part of the story told in the museum's current special exhibit, "Inventing the Outdoors." The 21st-century toy hackers also may find inspiration in the pressed recycled-tin toys on display for the Second Saturday program.
"This is truly a partnership of two community resources coming together to achieve one common goal," said Chris Allen, cofounder of TinkrLAB. "We are partnering to provide an experience that contextualizes past and present."
Upcoming Second Saturday programs include Take It Apart (June 11), Build a Bot (July 9), 3-D Printers (Aug. 13) and Construct a Truck (Sept. 10).
The Michigan History Museum is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing. It is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday -Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults ($4 with a Recreation Passport) and $2 for children. Sundays are free. More visitor information is available at www.michigan.gov/museum or 517-373-3559.
The Michigan History 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 History Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/mhc.
Contact: Mark Harvey, 517-373-1415
