Laura and Kevin will play traditional acoustic oldtime music at Brownsville's "Hands on History" event which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 22 at Library Park in Brownsville.

It is a fun day in the park experiencing traditional pioneer and Native American skills, activities and crafts. It is free, fun and a learning opportunity for the whole family. Come listen to old time fiddlers, marvel at the skills of the tinsmith, hear authentic Kalapuyan stories, enjoy wagon rides, or pan for gold. These are just a few of the traditional hands-on activities inviting children and grown-ups to join in. Learn how obsidian projectile points are flaked, hear about challenges faced by Black pioneers, or try your hand at spinning wool. Participating in authentic activities by experiencing them first-hand makes history come alive. Hands on History includes some of our favorite activities like cornhusk doll making, blacksmithing, washing clothes in an old and galvanized tub on a washboard, which is especially fun on a hot day.

The comment, “Can I try that?” is heard all over the park.

Don’t forget to visit the Linn County Historical Museum right next door to the park, where kids and adults can try on pioneer-style clothes. Hands on History is sponsored by the Linn County Museum Friends, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing Linn County’s history with the public. The Linn County Historical Museum is at 101 Park Avenue in downtown Brownsville. Library Park is next door to the museum. For more details email: lchm@co.linn.or.us.