St. Mary’s City, MD — Historic St. Mary’s City has produced a sensory bag to be checked out by families or adults. The goal is that the objects inside the bag will assist visitors (specifically, but not exclusively, those with special needs) to better interact with the museum during their visit.
This project was a team effort spearheaded by summer intern, Hannah Bear, who worked closely with Sharol Yeatman, Public Programs Manager with contributions from the on- site staff. The items for the bag were handmade, primarily from museum materials that have a historical basis and connection to the different museum sites. It’s an exciting step towards greater inclusive. The objects are fun and have a variety of textures such as soft fur, scratchy yarn, bean-filled bags, and durable canvas sail cloth.
Anyone currently interested in checking out the sensory bag will be asked to fill out a survey so the Public Programs staff can learn how to better serve audiences of all kinds. If you are interested in participating, or curious about this program and want to hear more, please contact sharoly@digshistory.org.
Historic St. Mary’s City is also introducing themed family packs. There are five different themes (colonist, archaeologist, explorer, naturalist, and sailor) that highlight a different aspect of the museum and each pack is filled with activities and objects that will enhance the visit of the museum going families.
This project was funded through a donation by the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists.
Historic St. Mary’s City is a museum of living history and archaeology on the site of Maryland’s first capital in beautiful, tidewater Southern Maryland. For more information about the museum contact the Visitor Center at 240-895- 4990, 800-SMC- 1634, or info@hsmcdigshistory.org..