Explore local history through hands-on activities that depict life in 19th-century New England. This is the theme of the Hands-on History Camp, a new program of the New London Historical Society open to all students in the region who will enter fifth or sixth grade this September. The camp is located in the New London Historical Village at 179 Little Sunapee Road.

Campers will participate in activities that reflect daily life in the 1800s, including cooking on an open hearth, using traditional musical instruments, working with a blacksmith, spinning and weaving, bartering in the country store, and much more. The new day camp has two one-week sessions, July 11 to 15 and July 18 to 22. Campers may select one or both weeks.

The camp, which runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM, costs $200 per week or $375 for both weeks. Activities are led by the camp director, Heidi Unger, and camp counselors, as well as recognized local artisans and several experienced Historical Society volunteers. Applications are due by Tuesday, May 31.

Camp Director Heidi Unger is in her fourth year as the Technology Integrator for the Andover Elementary/Middle School. She has been working with all students from kindergarten through eighth grade on improving their computer skills as well as supporting teachers as they use technology in their daily curriculum.

History has always been a passion of Heidi’s, especially local history, and she is very excited about this new program and the opportunity to spark the same interest in the campers. If you share her passion for history and would be interested in volunteering to teach a craft, share your knowledge of local history, or play the banjo, violin, etc. with the campers, please contact Heidi at HUnger@nullAEMSeagles.org.

For more information about the Hands-on History Camp and to download an application, visit the New London Historical Society Web site at NewLondonHistoricalSociety.org or e-mail Heidi at HUnger@nullAEMSeagles.org. The camp is made possible, in part, by a generous grant from the Byrne Foundation. Financial assistance for a limited number of campers is available.