Historic Jefferson College is starting a new program for students ages 6-12 this fall. One Saturday a month, kids are invited to participate in the Explore program, which focuses on the discovery of history and natural history through hands-on, educational, fun classes. six to 8-year-olds meet from 10-11:30 a.m., and 9 to 12-year-olds meet from 2-3:30 p.m. There are a maximum of eight students per class, and pre-registration and payment is required to hold a spot. Each class is $10.00. Cancellations must be received 24 hours ahead of class time to receive a refund of registration.

The fall topics and schedule for EXPLORE are the following:

4 Sept. 13 — Leaves. Students will learn about how leaves function, different types of leaves and how to identify their plants, make leaf creature artwork, bookmarks with pressed leaves and leaf rubbing booklets.

4 Oct. 1 — Bats. What’s the only mammal that can fly? A bat! Do they fly in your hair? No! Do they suck your blood? Sometimes! Students will make jumping bats, bat mobiles, and play echolocation and smelling games.

4 Nov. 22 — Native American Crafts. Students will make pottery bowls, a bullroarer, toys and jewelry while learning about the Native Americans that inhabited our area.

4 Dec. 6 — Feeder Ornaments for Wildlife. Animals get hungry too! For Christmas this year, students can give the birds and other wildlife a special treat by making feeders for them.

For more information on Explore, or to sign up your child, please come by the Prospere Hall Visitor Center, call 601-442-2901, or e-mail hjc@mdah.state.ms.us for a registration form. Historic Jefferson College is located on Highway 61, four miles north of Natchez, and is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Robin Person is a branch director at Historic Jefferson College.