Elmhurst History Museum to provide spring break activities

ELMHURST – Families looking for fun and affordable activities during spring break are invited to participate in a series of programs presented by the Elmhurst History Museum.

The activities take place March 28 and 30 and April 1 and offer interesting options for families and children, according to a news release.

The programs are designed to connect to the Elmhurst History Museum’s current exhibit “People of the Prairie: 12,000 Years in DuPage County,” which takes an archaeological journey back in time to find out about the Native people who inhabited northeastern Illinois before European settlers arrived.

The lineup of spring break activities follows:

March 28: Meet an Archaeologist

The free drop-in program takes place in the Elmhurst History Museum’s galleries on a day reserved just for families. Drop in at the museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to explore the “People of the Prairie: 12,000 Years in DuPage County” exhibit. Participants will encounter archaeologist and exhibit partner Sara Pfannkuche and learn about the myths and truths behind the profession of archaeology. Children can try out activities that include a chocolate chip cookie excavation, making your own time capsule and creating a pinch pot, while supplies last. No registration is required.

March 30: From Atlatl to Archery: Ancient Hunting Techniques

Participants in this off-site workshop will meet at St. James Farm, 2S541 Winfield Road in Warrenville, to learn about tools used by Native hunters to take down big game such as mastodon and bison. Children will find out how an atlatl is used and can test their archery skills with a bow and arrow. The workshop is presented by Elmhurst History Museum staff in collaboration with the DuPage Forest Preserve District and is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5 a participant. Registration is at elmhursthistory.org/320/Programs.

April 1: Three Sisters Make-and-Take Activity

Drop in at the Elmhurst History Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a free program based on the story of the Three Sisters, the Native method of planting corn, beans and squash together in a harmonious ecosystem. Participants will hear the story, which will be read on the hour and half hour, and plant seeds to grow for their own Three Sisters Garden at home while supplies last. No registration is required.

Elmhurst History Museum is at 120 E. Park Ave. For information, visit elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.