Taking the Kids: To Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation
Kids can pick up a Story Flag at any storytelling bench, and then collect a star from every storyteller on their journey. Flags with all the stars can be redeemed for a History Hero Certificate and a free carousel ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel in Franklin Square.
"Storytelling is a wonderful way to immerse children in history -- books, movies or even your own family history are great places to start," suggests Dr. Grant. Make sure to include the "Wow's" (including gross stories), "How's" (why things do/don't work) and "Me's" (stories that connect to kids' specific personal interests or that are about "kids like them").
Even a hotel can help you get in the spirit. The newly renovated Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel in the heart of "old city" and a short walk to the historic sites and American Revolutionary Museum, includes pop-inspired images of famous Philadelphians in each guestroom. Look closely and you will notice that the railings in this kid and dog-friendly hotel (our pooch was greeted with new toys!) mimic Franklin's spectacles and the wallpaper encourages you to "read" the Declaration of Independence.
Wherever you are this holiday, remind kids that children their ages were very much a part of the American Revolution. "Kids just don't realize that there were kids back then who played a role," explains Mark Curdo.
At the museum's new pop-up Patriots Gallery, (open every afternoon all summer), that lesson is reinforced as kids try on revolutionary dress, "march," (many soldiers were young teens) and play with 18th-century toys. (How long can you make your top spin?)
"The American Revolution was more than a war; it was a transformation in the way people thought," explains Dr. Grant. "It seized power from a king and gave it to the people. The museum shows us that that change continues today, and we all have to play our part in living up to its promise." Remind kids this July Fourth of the important role in history revolutionary kids played.
Remind them, said Grant, that "You don't have to be an adult to make a difference."
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