Pioneer Museum to host ‘toe jam’ for youngsters

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama will host its first “Summer Fun” youth enrichment workshop for children ages four through 14 on August 27.

Rachael Greve, museum director, said that “Toe Jam!” is an exciting new take on the rustic method of hand-dyed clothing and traditional summer fruit canning.

“At ‘Toe Jam,’ kids will make Alabama red clay-dyed t-shirts using their feet to do the dying,” Greve said. “This squishy, squashy, footloose folk craft will engage kids and parents alike.”

Parents are invited to join their children in the fun.

Hunger-busting’ “Toe Jam” activities will include fresh watermelon sampling and a watermelon seed-spitting contest.

“The winner of the seed spitting contest will receive a family-plus membership and will be featured as the official poster child for next year’s ‘Summer Fun: Toe Jam’ youth enrichment workshop,” Greve said.

The family-plus membership allows the immediate family plus four others to attend activities and programs at the museum for only $50.The memberships are valid for one year with renewal due on the month of membership.

Free samples of homemade watermelon rind preserves will be available during a heritage canning demonstration. Museum volunteer Agnes Johnson will make the preserves and there will be a presentation on the how-to of making preserves.

“There will also be opportunities for docent-guided tours that will provide visitors a more in depth and enjo yable visit to the museum,” Greve said.

Registration for “Toe Jam” is on a first-come basis and must be completed by the Aug. 26 deadline.

The workshop begins at 11 a.m. and the fee is $10 per child. The registration fee includes admission to the museum, t-shirt and watermelon snack.

“Enrollment is limited so parents are encouraged to enroll their children early,” Greve said.

For more information or to register, call 566-3597.

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama is a living history homestead and dynamic heritage museum that interprets pioneer Alabama folk life from the late 18th century to the early 20th century.

Museum hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, ages 60-plus, and $4 for students. Children under five are admitted free. Military and AARP discounts are honored.

Visit the museum’s website at www.pioneer-museum.org.