Hands-on exhibit grafting generations
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Don't make the mistake of calling the new, interactive family history exhibit at the Museum of Church History and Art a "children's display."
Yes, the exhibit is hands-on and essentially child-proof. Anyone old enough to walk can enjoy and learn something from its colorful, three-dimensional sets, murals and genealogy-themed activities. But "You Have a Family Tree" is indeed a "family" exhibit, designed to be experienced by folks of all ages.
"We've been pleased to see parents sitting down with their children" and discussing highlights of their own family history, said one of the exhibit's curators, Marj Conder.
"You Have a Family Tree" also reminds visitors that everyone belongs to a family tree, she added.
"We are all members of God's family."
The exhibit is located on the museum's upper floor and begins with a visual introduction of the first mortal parents, Adam and Eve. The two are often portrayed as fallen people, fleeing Eden's comforts for a life of sadness and toil. But here Adam and Eve are depicted as happy partners, teaching and working alongside their children. They are the first roots of the world's all-inclusive family tree.
"Adam and Eve are righteous examples for parents today," Sister Conder said.
Young visitors can then move on to several hands-on displays capturing the domestic lives of four generations, stretching from modern families back to great-great-grandma and granddad. Each display has relics from its respective generation representing life around the home. (The manual typewriter from "Grandma and Grandpa's" generation display fascinates computer-savvy youngsters.) In front of the displays are three-dimensional props representing transportation modes from each era, from today's minivan to the horse-drawn carriage of yesteryear.
"I think the exhibit's wonderful," said Kara Olschewski, who visited the museum with her five young children. "It's a good way to get the idea across that families are forever.
"Plus it's fun. Everything is so hands-on."
After spending time in the "generations" displays, families can sit down together, talk about what they've seen, share family stories and take part in some of the exhibit's genealogy activities. At one station children can fill in and color a four-generation family tree chart. At another, youngsters scribble their favorite family foods and traditions. "Going Jeeping in Moab" and "Eating Grandma's Mexican Enchiladas" were a couple of recent postings.
A three-dimensional mural of the Salt Lake Temple at the end of the gallery helps anchor the exhibit's eternal themes.
"You Have a Family Tree" remains a work in progress. A family history activity kiosk will be added to the exhibit in the coming weeks, offering activities for teens and genealogy newcomers.
"This (exhibit) helps give you a better understanding of your relationship with you family," said Benjamin Olschewski, 11, before he hustled off to one of the interactive generation displays.
"You Have a Family Tree" will be on display through Feb. 5, 2006.
The Museum of Church History and Art is located just west of Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and most holidays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is free.
Special tours conducted by museum docents are available Monday through Saturday for Church, school and private groups. Tours must be scheduled two weeks in advance by calling (801) 240-4615.
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
