The Recreation Department’s Seahorse Explorer Summer Campers theme of the week was “Mattapoisett is Special,” and to discover why, campers headed to the Mattapoisett Museum just around the corner from their home base at Center School. Campers ages 4-7 (Starfish and Crabs) and ages 8-12 (Rays and Sharks) visited on consecutive days.
Curator and Administrator Connor E. Gaudet introduced them to some pertinent vocabulary about artifacts. The Rays and Sharks enjoyed a walk through the village to learn stories about Mattapoisett’s history from Carole Clifford and Lee Heald. They also participated in a scavenger hunt through the Museum as Education Team volunteers explained the meaning or significance of certain displays or artifacts.
The Crabs and Starfish enjoyed a seek and find activity with pictures of artifacts on their papers. When they found an item with their group, they received a sticker to put on it.
All campers wrapped up with Gaudet and were given time for sharing their favorite artifacts in the Museum and to ask questions. The 1940s phone, the blacksmith shop with its huge bellows, anvil and tools, the model of the saltworks and its pans and covers as well as the diorama of the Wampanoag village were all mentioned as favorites.
Campers and volunteers left after their visits with a better idea of why Mattapoisett IS so special.