DUBOIS – The DuBois Area Historical Society will open its programs for 2016 with “A Night at the Museum,” a program designed for young children.
A “Night at the Museum” will be held Feb. 25, in the society’s museum at 28 W. Long Ave., DuBois. The program is open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Advance sign-ups will be taken for tours at 6:40 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:20 p.m., and 7:40 p.m. Pre-registration must be made and will be limited to 40 children. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
For reservations, please call 814-371-4627. There is no charge for this program, but donations are always gladly accepted.
The activity is scheduled on a night before a flex day for the school district.
“The ‘Night at the Museum’ takes its name from the series of movies starring Ben Stiller,” said Carolyn Rhoades, coordinator of the event and youth director for the society.
“There are no dinosaurs or mannequins that will come alive in our museum, but that doesn’t mean that the children won’t meet real people.”
Taking its inspiration from the society’s successful Spirit of DuBois Lantern Walks, the children will encounter a number of characters who will help make local history come alive.
This year the focus will be on working or work experiences. The children will meet a French governess, a student recalling a fire, a beer baron, a young girl waiting for takeout, a clerk and a switchboard operator.
“We were looking for another way to involve young people with history and last year’s initial Night at the Museum was very successful,” said Rhoades.
“We decided to continue it this year with a different theme so those who attended last year and attend again would see an entirely new program. Young people are the future for all organizations, and exposing them to local history will be important to them in the future.”
Refreshments will be served and each child attending will receive a souvenir activity package.