Storm the Castle and Explore Life in Medieval Times
June 23, 2014
GREENVILLE, SC – Knights and dragons are popping up all over this summer. While the movie theaters are filled with tales of adventure, it is only at the Upcountry History Museum – Furman University that families can enter the story themselves in the newest traveling exhibition, “The Amazing Castle.”
It’s a little history combined with a little fantasy. Visitors to “The Amazing Castle” are transported to a magical place and time – inside the castle’s stone walls lays a happy and peaceful little community where every citizen has a special job to do. Children can don costumes and engage in role-play by becoming lords and ladies, castle villagers, or even “HiJinx the Jester.”
The exhibit is engaging for visitors of all ages, says Elizabeth McSherry, Director of Programs and Marketing. Visitors can try their hands in the Royal Workshops with “Trim the Tailor” or “Gable the Carpenter.” After picking vegetables in the garden, kids can tote them to the Great Hall to cook up a royal meal or visit the tower to wake “Herald,” the sleeping dragon! McSherry explains, “the interactive stations in the exhibit encourage cooperative role-play for children.”
And let’s not forget the adults. Upstairs in the Study Gallery, the museum is proud to display several medieval artifacts on loan from Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery as well as Furman University Special Collections. The collaboration of these institutions echoes the interconnectiveness of the community in the main gallery, “we really do all work together for the betterment of our children and community,” says McSherry.
The Amazing Castle is designed for visitors of all ages and will be at the Upcountry History Museum June 28 through September 28, 2014 thanks to generous support from Bank of America and The Furman Family Foundation.
More Castle Fun
The Upcountry History Museum has planned the following additional castle-related events to augment its new exhibit:
Fun for the Family
July 25 — Pajama Party: Royal Riot (6:30-9:30 pm)
Here, ye! Here, ye! The Upcountry History Museum – Furman University invites all wee lords and ladies to The Amazing Castle Royal Pajama Party. Join us for an evening of music and dancing, crafts and snacks. Enter a medieval world of wonder for the whole family. $10 for non-members, $5 for members.
August 3 – Family Fun Day: Castle Constructions (1:00-4:00 pm)
Bring the whole family for a fantastic day of castle construction! From Legos to recycled boxes, cards to sand, we will be constructing castles of all kinds. Don’t forget to check out The Amazing Castle exhibition for more family focused fun. Free to members, general admission applies.
September 7 – Family Fun Day: Court Jester Camp (1:00-4:00 pm)
Summer isn’t over yet! Celebrate at Court Jester Camp, where you will learn the fine art of joke telling, juggling, face painting and more! Spend the afternoon with Harold the Dragon as we read stories, make art projects, and play games inspired by a medieval castle. Don’t forget to check out The Amazing Castle exhibition for more family focused fun. Free to members, general admission applies.
September 26 – Pajama Party: Dragon Tales (6:30-9:30pm)
Put on your PJs and grab your friends for a pajama party at the Upcountry History Museum! Enjoy dragon themed art projects, dragon desserts, and dragon stories as we play in The Amazing Castle. $10 for non-members, $5 for members.
Delve Deeper in History
July 16 – Lunchbox Learning: Ye Olde English Language (12-1 pm)
Spend your lunchtime with Dr. Melinda Menzer, Furman University, as she explores why it’s feet not foots and other oddities of medieval English. Free to members, general admission applies.
Medieval Gardens: Growing a Connection to the Past
Get dirty with the Upstate Master Gardeners as we explore the roots of modern plants that were grown and used in the middle ages. Specific themes will include:
• Vegetable Gardens (July 20th **3:00pm**)
• Concrete Leaves (August 17th **2:00pm**)
• Medieval Medicine (September 14th **2:00pm**)
August 7 – History After Dark: A Clash of Swords (7-8pm)
Love Games of Thrones? Intrigued by the violent yet chivalrous world of medieval warriors? Join Dr.s Caroline Dunn (Clemson University), Rick Heiser (Presbyterian College) and Carolyn Watson (Furman University) for a conversation on knights of old. Free to members, general admission applies.
August 26 – Lunchbox Learning: Ladies in Waiting (12-1pm)
Join Dr. Caroline Dunn, Clemson University, to explore the unique role of the Lady in Waiting, high born women put in service and manipulated for political power. Free to members, general admission applies.
©2001 Minnesota Children’s Museum. All rights reserved. The Amazing Castle was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum with funding from Curtis & Marjorie Nelson and The Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation.
For more information about this exhibition or programs offered by the Upcountry History Museum, contact Elizabeth McSherry at 864-467-3100 or [email protected].
