It is interesting to read about Tucson and Southern Arizona’s history, but it is more fun to actually experience it firsthand.
The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum is built on the northwest corner of the original presidio and offers a variety of ways for families to learn about our interesting history through experiences provided in its Famly Adventure Fourth Saturday and History in the Field Programs.
Family Adventure Fourth Saturdays
Family Adventure Fourth Saturdays is open to children of all ages but is ideal for 4–7-year-olds and their families. Events each month may include a tour of the Presidio Museum, colonial-period games, a storytime, and much more! Other activities are also included each month based on the theme of the program for the month. All activities are included with regular museum admission and run from 10 am-1 pm.
January’s program will be held on Saturday, January 23, and will focus on celebrating the New Year as well as learning about Chinese New Year.
February’s program will be expanded and offered on BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, February 26 and 27, because many Tucson school-aged children will be off for Rodeo Break. Although there will be no Fiesta de Vaqueros Rodeo (Tucson Rodeo) this year, families can still enjoy Western activities at the Presidio Museum during these Family Adventure programs, including roping our docile “cows,” tinsmithing Western ornaments, and other rodeo-themed crafts.
March’s Family Adventure Fourth Saturday will focus on Archaeology Month. Held on Saturday, March 27, events will include exploring various artifacts of pottery, tools, bottles, and more, plus practicing throwing an atlatl (an ancient spear) and making soapstone pendants similar to ones made by ancient people such as the Hohokam.
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March’s Family Adventure Hour will also kids to try their hands at using an atlatl to throw a spear. February’s History in the Field - Early People will also give attendees this opportunity. |
Family Adventure Fourth Saturdays are included in Presidio Museum Admission, which is $5 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6-14, and free for those 5 and under and Presidio Museum members. All activities occur from 10 am to 1 pm, and no pre-registration is necessary.
History in the Field
History in the Field is a new offering for youth at the Presidio Museum. The same theme is offered twice a month, but attendees need only attend one class. February’s theme is Early People, and workshops will be held on Wednesdays, Feb. 10 from 10 am to 12 pm and Feb. 24, from 4-6 pm. Participants will travel back in time to 400 C.E. to experience the daily life of the Hohokam. Visit an excavated Early Agricultural period pit house and engage in some of the following activities:
•using an atlatl or early drill
•making a utilitarian basket or pot.
March’s theme is Archaeology, and workshops will be held on Wednesdays, March 10 from 10 am to 12 pm, and March 24 from 4-6 pm. This workshop starts start with a visit to the Museum’s excavated Early Agricultural period pit house. Participants will then identify and learn about specific artifacts found in recent archaeological excavations of downtown Tucson. Field mapping supplies will also be provided for participants to document what they have found and figure out what was going on in that area.
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March’s History in the Field - Archaeology will give participants the chance to explore the Presidio Museum’s pit house as well as learn about field mapping to document what they find within the museum’s walls. Note: This photo was taken prior to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks and social distancing are currently required for all Presidio Museum programs. |
The cost for History in the Field is $5 per participant, and pre-registration IS required at tucsonpresidio.com/history-in-the-field-youth-programs/.
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To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all Presidio Museum visitors are required to wear a mask and social distance. In addition, hand sanitizing is required upon entry.
The Presidio Museum is a valued sponsor of East Tucson Macaroni Kid.
