The Heritage Chores camp had kids in grades K-5 complete simplified versions of 1800’s historical chores like hand washing laundry, butter-making, sewing, and using a spinning wheel. They also got to do fun experiences like painting, with food-based non-artificial paints using ingredients like cocoa and matcha.

This program is a first for the Brown County Historical Society. BCHS Program Coordinator Lauren McMackin said they drew some inspiration from the lessons and success of their one-room schoolhouse program.

“The idea came from wanting to be able to showcase what it was like back in the olden days,” she said. “Specifically more towards the 1800s because with the historical society, we can utilize a lot of the items we have within our education collection for these purposes. We wanted to make sure that the community was able to get out there and use them.”

McMackin said it was important to get the setup and activity particulars correct. This meant ensuring all activities were accessible for all age groups involved.

BCHS Museum Coordinator Candace Byron pantomimes the pestle grinding motions, showing Jade Dalluge the proper technique.

“It is always a fact the older kids would help the younger kids with the chores during the day,” she said “We want to make sure that everybody can do what we have going on today,”

After everything was put together and ready for the kids, McMackin said she was curious to see how the kids would react to some of the activities.

“I think the kids will respond to some of the activities like sewing pretty happily,” she said. “With washing clothes, [they] might be a little hesitant because nobody likes to wash clothes. It’s always fun to get out there and use the big wash panels, washboards, see what it was like.”

Niko and Myra Gibbs said they were glad they got to be in the camp. Both agreed they liked sewing the best. Niko Gibbs made an elephant, while Myra Gibbs chose a koala. The kids got to choose from a set of animal sewing kits, which they then worked on following the instructions.

Niko Gibbs said he got to learn about sheep’s wool and use a spinning wheel. Myra Gibbs said for her it was pretty easy. Near the end of the event, McMackin brought out a handheld churner attached to a glass full of heavy whipping cream to turn into butter. Niko Gibbs was enthusiastic to get to work churning.

Jade Dalluge churns butter as BCHS Program Coordinator Lauren McMackin observes.

By doing programs like this, McMackin hopes kids get to benefit from learning about history while appreciating the modern conveniences of today.

“It’s always fun to see people’s reactions when they learn about how things had to be done in the past,” she said. “It puts into perspective how lucky we are today. I’m sure everybody’s gonna go home and say all day ‘Thank you for washing machines.'”