At LancasterHistory.org, we're getting ready for some very exciting new possibilities!

Everyone knows about the new construction at the Campus of History. But what you may not know is that, in an effort to better serve Lancaster county schools, LancasterHistory.org is in the process of creating new classroom-centered educational programming that recreates the experience of visiting the museum! We realize that schools are having a tough time getting the funds for field trips, so we're going to them in the form of traveling trunks and outreach kits. The main idea behind the trunks and kits is to help local children better understand Lancaster's history through images and hands-on learning. (Check out the Cumberland County Historical Society's education page for a sense of what we're going to do.)

Staff are currently hard at work creating three(!) brand new trunks on: The Underground Railroad in Lancaster County; The Civil War; and World War II. Unfortunately, there are very few items in LancasterHistory.org's collection that were donated with the intent of being used by children.

That's where you can help! The education department is currently accepting donations for use in new programming, especially the traveling trunks. If you've got something sitting in an attic or basement, with no clear idea of what you'll do with it, why not consider donating? We're looking for the clothing (civilian or military), artifacts (like soldier's gear), and every day items (ration books, for example) that will make up the hands-on components of the trunks.

Please contact James Bollinger to find out more information or to schedule a time to donate your items. With your help, LancasterHistory.org's educational programs can become an integral part of our children's education!