Thursday, April 9, 2009

Education Department

About four years ago, Living History Farms dropped the term “field trip” from its education brochure, and replaced it with “Learning Excursions.” This was done at the request of the LHF Education Advisory Committee. The teachers and educators on the committee felt that “field trip” carried a negative connotation in the minds of school administrators and school boards. They felt that “field trip” equated “a day off from learning” in the minds of the decision-makers at schools. We know that this is not the case when students visit LHF.

Other Educational Tidbits
• The LHF Education Advisory Committee is meeting on Saturday, April 18th, from 9:30 - 12:00 at the Conference Center. Welcome to the newest member of the group, Marilyn Jungman, the Title I teacher for 5th grade and the “Reading is Fundamental” coordinator for Saydel Schools.

• Students from Evergreen Park High School, a suburb of Chicago, will be here for three days of programming on American history from April 18-20.

• The summer interns will be arriving on Monday, May 18, to begin their training. Look for details about a welcoming picnic and intern seminars in the next edition of the Plough Share.

• Space is still available in the following adult education classes! Sign up is through the Des Moines Schools’ Community Education at 515.242.8521, or visit the LHF web site and register on-line! http://www.lhf.org/adulted.html
Sat., April 18: Advanced Hearth Cooking
Sat., April 18: Norwegian Smorgasbord
Sun., April 19: Advanced Cooking and Baking with a Wood-burning Stove

--- written by Dan, Education Manager

Period Clothing Hours Expand in April

Jenny and I have spent March getting clothing ready for the coming season. We look forward to seeing returning interpreters pick up their clothing. If you call ahead, we can A: let you know if you can drive up to the Red Barn and B: have your clothes ready to hand over. Just call 278-5286 ext.162. If you will not be returning as an interpreter but still have your period clothing, PLEASE bring it back so others can use it—there is a lot of time and money tied up in each set of clothing we issue, and we need to keep it in use.

Monday, April 13 will begin Monday-Friday hours in Period Clothing. We will also be open Saturdays when the season starts in May, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm as always.

--- written by Laura, Period Clothing Supervisor

Behind the Barn

Living History Farms
Behind the Barn
Band, Barbeque and Beverages
May through September 2009
Select Thursdays 6:00 – 9:00 pm

In keeping with our season theme "Art at the Farms," Living History Farms is pleased to announce a NEW outdoor music series – Behind the Barn. This evening adult series is sponsored by Fitness Sports and features local performance artists, barbeque from Shane’s Rib Shack, and a cash bar. Each month is themed and will host local visual arts displays or demonstrations, along with casual lawn activities. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy twilight Behind the Barn! In case of inclement weather the event will be held inside the barn.

Admission is $10 which includes one complimentary beverage of your choice.
EXCEPTION: July 16th we are hosting Metro Arts Jazz in July. This event is FREE and Family Friendly. See below for details.

Thursday, May 21 - Woolstock
Featuring: The Flying Silos
This fun six piece band plays a mix of classic rock, country, and blues music. May is sheep shearing month at the Farms, so enjoy meeting wool fiber arts demonstrators such as spinners and weavers.

Thursday, June 18 - Batter Up!
Featuring: The Roxi Copland Band
Performing throughout the Midwest, Roxi entertains with an engaging combination of original tunes and well-known jazz, soul and blues standards. The sound is jazz/pop with a shot of soul. Are you a “striker?” Find out as you chat with members of our historic baseball team and learn about “legging it,” “daisy cutters,” “cigar boxes.”

Thursday, July 16 – Metro Arts Jazz in July
* FREE and Family Friendly*
Enjoy two great concerts on our large outdoor stage. First, Old School presents Giants of Jazz: The Music of Wes Montgomery. Next up is Tina Hasse Findlay. Tina has been a fixture of the Des Moines music scene for over 25 years and makes her musical mark in the fields of jazz, blues, rock, soul, and gospel. Family friendly concessions are available with grilled burgers and hot dogs, watermelon, ice cream and other snacks. Lawn games for all and kid’s crafts jazz up the evening.

Thursday, August 20 – BLT’s
Featuring – The Roxi Copland Band
Roxi returns with a combination of jazz and pop with a dollop of soul. Our most popular BLT Day has gone twilight! Sample heirloom tomato varieties, Iowa made bacon, and slop some mayo on your South Union Bakery garlic foccacia and enjoy a custom sandwich at our BLT bar.

Thursday, September 17 – Moonshine
Featuring – Brother Trucker
Roots rockers Brother Trucker are unique in their art of telling the story of everyday people through their original lyrics. Also known to do a few select cover songs, the group has an alternative country sound. The makers of Iowa based Templeton Rye whiskey will be serving samples and have a display showing the history of their product.
Horse drawn wagon rides round out the fun!

SERIES SPONSOR: Fitness Sports



----written by Linda, Event Specialist