Powder River Examiner -

By PR Extension Office

Forty of the younger inhabitants of Powder River County had the opportunity to experience "life in the past" at a recent event planned in partnership between Powder River Extension and the caretakers of the Historical Museum. "Morning at the Museum" attracted forty children ages 4 through 12 for a series of workshops and the opportunity to explore some of the amazing exhibits housed on the grounds. Deanna Twedt and Kate Ruland, museum volunteers, each taught workshops. Deanna taught butter-making and Kate used the sun and vegetation to create sun photos.

Extension Agent Julie Riley and Superintendent of Schools Molly Lloyd reconstructed cave life in the Mammoth Room engaging participants in cave art and creating woolly mammoths. Mary Rumph challenged the youth to a series of games on the courthouse lawn including field hockey with balloons and pool noodles, barrel racing with "noodle horses" and concluded with "Duck, Duck, Dino". Montana Conservation Core interns Caroline Pride and Joe Paetsch, working with Tammy Van Tine, District Weed Supervisor, took the morning off from spraying weeds to assist and participate in the activities and to document the event through photos.

On Tuesday, area youth engaged in a variety of educational and fun opportunities at the Powder River Historical Museum's Summer Fun Day. Above, attendees learn about cave art and woolly mammoths.

"What a wonderful opportunity to learn about just a few of the treasures available in our community," said Rumph. "We are so thankful to have a museum that is 'children' friendly, so they are able to appreciate and enjoy learning about our local history, she added.

"It was especially heart-warming to have museum volunteer, Dee Talcott, greet the children in the lobby."

Participants included: Tizer and Jesse Barnhart, Layla Desatoff, Karsey, Quincy, Tori, Maci, Reece, Josie and Trace Emmons, Harper Gardner, Myla and Aria Gatlin, Sadie and Sarah Morehead, Sophie and Elena Ostendorf, Abby and Lilly Patten, Artic Rohrer, Rowdy Ryan, Lila and Yance Strickland, Sidney Terrill, Hudson Van Tine, Jameson and Faye Schuetzle, Scarlett and Porter Talcott, Quinn Barbero, Allie Bird, Hazel Kinzer, Dolly, Kinzie and Doonan Randall, Rachel Rosencranz, Delaney Ruland, Kambry Yonkee, Aubree and Kassie Quade.

Additional helpers that were greatly appreciated included Marilyn Emmons, Connie and Emilee Barnhart, Kristina Ryan, Heidi Strickland, Drew Gatlin, Lauryn Billing, and Bev Rightnour.