The Museum of the American Revolution recently announced an exciting new way for kids to explore the museum that brings their core galleries to life. The History Explorers Audio Tour, created with kids ages 7-12 in mind, utilizes storytelling and sound effects to transport young museum visitors into the events, sights and sounds of the Revolutionary era.
“We chose this age range for a few reasons,” explains Rebecca Franco, Family Programs Manager for the Museum. “To start with a purely logistical reason, by seven, many children are able to handle the audio devices and headphones independently for the duration of the tour. This age range also aligns with when many school curriculums introduce history as a subject, so even if they are unfamiliar with the subject of the American Revolution, they already have some of the groundwork laid of what it means for something to happen in the past.”
The goal of the audio tour is for kids to become more immersed with the stories of the people and events highlighted in the museum. Looking beyond the exhibits in front of them, they’ll be able to use their imagination and make their visit a memorable adventure.
The audio tour will guide listeners from 1763 and Colonial America through today, “meet” historical figures like King George III, Phillis Wheatley, and learn why a Liberty Tree was an important symbol of the American Revolution. By engaging kids and their families, the Museum hopes to create more impactful experiences and support their mission to ensure that the promise of the American Revolution endures.
For Frano and the museum team, they also felt that kids in this age range are still familiar with the concept, but aren’t too old to engage with the subject in curious and imaginative ways.
“They can grasp the concept of different points of view, and empathize with people of different backgrounds, but aren’t too old to be excited to hear about the years of political protest from the perspective of a Liberty Tree.”
Franco says she was lucky enough to be able to build the new audio tour based on eight years of experience of kids walking through our main exhibition.
“When we first started to draft the audio guide, there were many discussions about where in the galleries kids seemed to gravitate the most, what stories and people seemed to draw their attention. We made sure to use those places as a chance to lift up the educational goals of cultivating empathy and increasing curiosity.”
Many of those places are the tableaus located around the galleries that already seem so lifelike, making it easy to bring the stories to life even more.
“I have a lot of spots I’m excited about, but I think kids will be especially interested in the voice of Israel Trask, who at 11 years old is witnessing a brawl in Harvard Yard between his father’s regiment from Massachusetts and a group of Virginia riflemen,” Franco says. “I also think they’ll be excited to hear from some of the objects in our galleries such as a piece of Concord’s North Bridge or a horse galloping toward you as part of the British Legion.
“Our History Explorers Audio Tour brings history and the Revolutionary generation to life for our youth and instills in them that they are the next revolutionary generation,” says Franco. “They will not only gain knowledge about the complex events of our nation’s founding but also develop a sense of curiosity and wonder that inspires them to explore further.”
The History Explorers Audio Tour is now available to check out at the Museum’s front desk and adds to the already exciting lineup of engaging activities for young visitors. From costumed living historians and hands-on learning stations to scavenger hunts, family guides, and daily special programs, there’s something for every curious kid… and parent.
The Museum of the American Revolution also recently celebrated the grand re-opening of Revolution Place, their immersive family discovery center, which is now located in a larger space on the first floor.
Audio tours, including this new kid-friendly version, are available on Museum-issued devices at the front desk for a small fee: $3 for members, $4 for groups, and $5 for the general public with regular admission. Visit amrevmuseum.org for more information.
