MUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS AT THE MARY OLSON FARM
Historic Farm to Open for Student Tours to Kick Off School Programs
This fall, the first busses of Auburn students will arrive at the Mary Olson Farm. While there, middle school students will conduct water quality studies, and elementary students will make apple cider in the barn. All will enjoy this historic treasure. The White River Valley Museum is recruiting adult volunteers who wish to learn how to lead school tours at the farm and museum.
Requirements are a desire to learn and work with children, be 18 years of age or older, and be available to assist at least 3 hours per month. Tours will take place Tuesday – Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning in September. Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering, contact Curator of Education Tara McCauley at 253-288-7439 or via email at tmccauley@auburnwa.gov.
McCauley has been working with two teams of Auburn School District teachers since January to develop educational units and fieldtrip activities for the Mary Olson Farm. Four elementary teachers have collaborated to develop pre- and post-field trip lessons on where our food comes from and four middle level teachers developed stream ecology lessons. The new curriculum will prepare each class for their visit, and evaluate how much was learned afterwards.
“The teachers really outdid themselves,” exclaimed McCauley. “In a first grade math lesson on making charts, children work with food that grows above or below the ground, so carrots would be below the base line or ground, and apples would be above.”
Stream ecology lessons involve students physically in the chain of life. Each student is named one element of the salmon’s critical habitat, such as bear (who eat the salmon) or shade (as needed to keep the water cool for spawning.) All are then tied together with yarn and stand in a large circle. They learn that if one element in the chain of a salmon’s life is moved, they all feel the effect.
“We will try out the lessons and fieldtrip activities in the 2007-08 school year, and refine them for use thereafter,” says museum and farm director Patricia Cosgrove.
About the Mary Olson Farm
The Mary Olson Farm is owned by the City of Auburn and leased for the purpose of restoration and programming by the White River Valley Museum. It is located on Green River Road and was purchased by the Olson’s in 1879. Once fully restored, the Farm will provide living history programs, host classes and events, be available for parties and weddings, and provide a restful retreat just a few minutes from downtown Auburn. The Farm is undergoing significant restoration and rehabilitation, and is scheduled to be open for public use in 2009. The total restoration of the buildings and environment is estimated to cost $1.6 million. To date, $1.2 million has been raised and fundraising is ongoing. For more information about making a donation to the Mary Olson Farm, contact Patricia Cosgrove at 253-288-7437.
About the White River Valley Museum
The White River Valley Museum is open 12 Noon to 4 PM, Wednesdays through Sundays, and by appointment for group tours and research. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors. Wednesdays are free for everyone. For more information call (253) 288-743
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