Inventing America - A look at the Founding Fathers

Quick quiz - Who is Thomas Jefferson and what role did he play in American history?

Give up? Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States. He served from 1801 - 1809. Prior to his presidency, Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which officially declared the thirteen colonies free (independent) from England. And it is this declaration of freedom which we celebrate on July 4 every year.

To help children better understand the significance of the July 4 holiday, July's Children's Saturday program will focus on Thomas Jefferson and other men who helped to create and shape our nation. Children will gather in the Carolyn & James Millar Presidential Gallery on the upper level of the Museum near the bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson (which happens to show him penning the famous document). There they will learn about Jefferson and a few of his many achievements (there are so many to choose from).

Childre will also hear the story "President Adam's Alligator and other White House Pets" by Peter Barnes, Betty Shepard, and Lisa Pinnell and illustrated by Cheryl Shaw Barnes. (That's right, John Quincy Adams kept an alligator in the White House.) Children can then vote on their favorite White House pet.

And no Children's Saturday would be complete without an art activity. This time children will complete a sketching activity withe Jefferson bronze as their model.

This is definitely a Children's Saturday not to be missed. Who knew there we so many interesting things to know about our Presidents!

*Children's Saturday programs are generally geared towards children 12 years old and younger. The only cost to participate is a $1 materials fee for the art activity. Adults are charged standard Museum admission, which is $8 (free for Museum members). Children's Saturday runs from 10:00 am - Noon. No reservations required.