JACKSON, Wyo. — When Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum (JHHSM) staff plans Summer History Camp, they get to brainstorm fun, hands-on activities for the kids: touching a bison hide like one used by an indigenous family, building homesteads with Lincoln Logs or floating the Snake River in the tradition of a pioneering raft guide.
No matter what the activity, one thing is most important.
When camp is done, how engaged and connected will the kids feel to the past and present of Jackson Hole? Fostering that connection, for our youngest residents, can shape our community’s future.
One Summer History Camp parent took the time to write to the History Museum and express just how meaningful a fun week of Summer History Camp can be:
The Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum has been a “go-to” place for my family for quite a few years! In 2022, our eldest (Rosser) did his first summer camp at JHHSM as a kindergartener going into first grade. He talked nonstop every day at pick-up about what his day entailed one of the biggest highlights was making his own flag design and churning butter!
At the end of the week, he looked at me with a very serious face for a 7-year-old and said, “How come I only got to do one week of the history camp?”
It is now the middle of winter and I have heard, “Will you sign me up for history camp again this summer?” No less than once every two weeks. We’re counting down until we can sign up again! Thank you to the JHHSM staff — you have no idea what an impact you make!
Ariel Koerber
The JHHSM has continued to emphasize and grow our education program this year by adding a full-time Director of Education, Catherine Maguire, to the staff. She’s been busy implementing more programs and collaborations than ever. The JHHSM is actively working with more than 20 partner organizations to bring history to the Jackson community both inside and outside of the Museum walls.
Through programs like Summer History Camp, kids build an understanding of their Jackson Hole heritage. They learn where we’ve come from as a community, how we got here and how that informs where we all might be headed. As the future of our community, they can help shape it from an informed perspective.
Your gift through Old Bill’s to the JHHSM brings essential history education to local children, residents both new and old, as well as visitors for a more connected Jackson Hole.
When we all know and engage with our history, we’re more connected as a community. And when we better understand our past, it informs today’s decisions for a brighter future.
Stop by and take a picture at our Historic Photo Booth #92 at Old Bill’s this weekend. And look for history education programs this Fall at Teton County Library, Jackson Hole Middle School, Jackson Hole High School and more!
Donate to JH Historical Society & Museum through Old Bill’s Fun Run HERE!
