Learning by doing at Orange Regional Museum

Students learn best by doing and these programs are all about first-hand learning about the history and culture of the central west.

Paddock to Plate; A history of food and wine in Orange & district opens in April and with it a range of new opportunities for the region’s students to learn about where they live.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the museum’s education programs for the current exhibition, Journeys: People, Place, Stories had been hugely successful.

“More than 1,500 students went through the doors and did a treasure hunt or opened up the history of migrants as they rummaged through items in period suitcases.

“They handled really old objects like those strange items called cassette tapes,” Cr Kidd said.

“More than 30 different schools with students from kindergarten to high school came through and engaged in a workshop and I’m sure we’ll increase on that number with the 2018 program.

“We’re lucky to have such a wonderful educational resource on our doorstep.

“We’re also getting schools visiting from as far as Parkes and Forbes.

Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Kevin Duffy said bookings are now open for the 2018 education programs, which include activities at the Orange regional Museum but also at sites across the region.

“What is particularly exciting about next year’s program, are specifically targeted Indigenous Engagement days, which include a bush tucker workshop, a traditional weaving workshop, Indigenous story-telling and experiencing indigenous food customs, “ Cr Duffy said.

In addition, schools can take advantage of learning opportunities at Wentworth Main Mine, Emmaville Cottage and Lake Canobolas Pump House.

All programs are offered free of charge and are designed to work with the state curriculum.

More information on learning programs offered by Orange Regional Museum during school terms can be found online at www.orangemuseum.com.au/learn.