The Rogers Historical Museum is kicking off a year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with Spring Break at
the Museum: Colonial Days! Discover how children’s work and play in 18th century America compare to life today. This
free, three-day hands-on history program series is recommended for kids ages 6-12. Timed registration is required for
each day’s session with the option to register for one day or all three. Sign up is only required for children, but parents/
guardians are required to stay with their children during the programs. Register at www.rogershistoricalmuseum.org/
spring-break or 479-621-1154.
YO-YOS
Tuesday, March 24
45-minute program. Sessions at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
In early America, a yo-yo was far more than just a toy—it was a captivating test of skill and physics! Long before the
days of plastic and neon, these gadgets were known as “quiz” toys, a popular historical name for the yo-yo. Whether
hand-carved from fine wood or fashioned from leftover farm scraps, “quizzing” was a favorite pastime that challenged
the coordination of children and adults alike. Kids will discover how colonial children stayed entertained with simple
gadgets and then build their very own classic yo-yo to take home.
OFF THE SHEEP
Wednesday, March 25
90-minute program. Sessions at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
American colonial toys were often made from farm byproducts like wool. When children played with wool dolls or felted
balls, they weren’t just having fun—they were learning to handle the materials they would later process as adults. Join
guest presenter Eddon Boyd from the Brick Street Handspinners to see how raw fleece that has been shaved off the
sheep is processed by hand before it can be felted or spun and woven into cloth. Kids will learn how to sort the wool,
discovering what can be washed and used and what should be thrown away.
JACOB’S LADDER
Thursday, March 26
45-minute program. Sessions at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
Step into the world of an 18th-century child and master the mystery of the Jacob’s Ladder! Long before video games and
plastic gadgets, American colonial children marveled at this “optical illusion” flip toy made from simple wood and ribbon.
Kids will uncover the secrets of how these mesmerizing ladders entertained families on the American frontier and then
build their very own heirloom toy to take home.
Kids will learn how to “skirt” the wool, using their hands to pull apart the fibers and separate the clean locks from the dirty,
unusable pieces that must be discarded.
