History isn’t just for grown-ups, and at the East Tennessee History Center, even the youngest visitors are discovering that the past can be an adventure.

Through Little History Lessons, children as young as 1 are being introduced to local history through storytelling, hands-on activities, crafts and imaginative play. The program is designed to make history accessible while helping young families feel comfortable exploring a museum together.

Sequoia Conkling, who leads the lessons, said the program primarily targets preschool-age children, although siblings of all ages are welcome.

“Its purpose is really to introduce them to what a museum is and to local history,” Conkling said. “They get to come into the museum, experience our galleries and our exhibits, but then just really feel like this space is their own.”

That sense of belonging is especially important for families who might hesitate to bring young children into a museum.

“I think sometimes museums can be kind of an intimidating space to bring kids into,” Conkling said.

Her goal is to change that perception by creating an environment where children can explore, ask questions and develop an early appreciation for their community.

All aboard for a history lesson

During a recent Little History Lessons program, the subject was railroads, a topic Conkling selected for its importance to East Tennessee’s development and its natural appeal to young children.

“The railroad was so central to Knoxville’s growth and to East Tennessee’s growth,” she explained. “I think that that’s super important to teach the kids about its impact on their local community.”

There was another reason for choosing trains.

“Every little kid loves trains,” Conkling said.

The lesson began with a story about the transcontinental railroad, followed by an introduction to railroad history and how trains work. Children also had an opportunity to explore the museum’s galleries.

But the history lesson didn’t end with books and exhibits.

In the auditorium, young participants received pretend train tickets and prepared for an imaginary journey through the Appalachian Mountains. A projected video provided the view from a moving train, allowing children to experience the sights of a railroad trip without leaving the museum.

After their adventure, the children returned to create miniature trains using toilet paper rolls.

The combination of storytelling, history, imagination and crafts reflects the program’s approach to helping young learners connect with the past.

Building connections that last

Little History Lessons is generally offered twice a month on Mondays, beginning around 10:30 a.m. The program is designed for children approximately ages 1–5, with flexibility for older siblings.

For Conkling, one of the most rewarding parts of the program is the opportunity to build relationships with children and watch them grow.

Unlike traditional school field trips, where students may visit the museum only once, Little History Lessons brings many of the same families back regularly.

“A lot of them come when they’re like one, and then they stay until they go off to kindergarten,” Conkling said.

She enjoys watching their personalities develop and seeing their confidence grow as they become more familiar with the museum.

Another favorite part is hearing their questions.

“You never know what they’re going to hit you with,” she said, describing the children’s curiosity and enthusiasm.

And that curiosity is exactly what she hopes the program will encourage.

More than a history lesson

While the railroad program introduced children to an important part of Knoxville’s development, Conkling hopes participants take away something even broader.

She wants children to recognize the connections between history, science and the world around them.

Her hope is to “foster that curiosity about not only history, but then science and how things work, and how all of these kind of things interact together.”

The lessons also introduce subjects such as farming and coal mining, helping children discover the industries and traditions that shaped East Tennessee.

Most importantly, Conkling wants families to understand that the museum belongs to everyone, including its smallest visitors.

For these young historians, a simple train ticket, a story and a handmade craft may be the beginning of a lifelong interest in learning.

And along the way, they are discovering that their own community has a story worth knowing.

About the program: Little History Lessons takes place at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. in downtown Knoxville. Families can find upcoming lessons and program information through the East Tennessee Historical Society.

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