Museum adds book challenge to recurring programs list

Students earn prizes in Bastrop Visitor Center’s latest push as community hub

BASTROP — The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center this month launched a new book challenge tying together Black History Month and the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

The challenge for students in grades 4-8 centers around “Forge” by Laurie Halse Anderson, a historical novel that follows a young African American boy serving in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The challenge runs weekly through February and invites students to read designated sections of the book and answer questions for a chance to win prizes.

“This book challenge is a fun and meaningful way for young readers to connect with history,” said Rachel Hatch, the museum’s marketing and communications coordinator. “What’s great about it is that they learn a lot of history and they connect with that history by seeing through the eyes of a boy their age.”

Each week, readers who correctly answer questions from assigned sections of the book will receive a coupon for a treat from local ice cream shop Jeremiah’s Ice.

Hatch said the challenge is the museum’s first of its kind and is planned to become a recurring program offered once a quarter for both children and adults.

“What really sparked this was America 250, as well as February being Black History Month,” Hatch said. “The book is great because it’s based on lots of primary documents and historical background. It’s very action packed and very engaging, especially more middle-grade students.”

Hatch, a former U.S. history teacher, wants the program to help young readers see history as relatable and relevant. According to her, the program also reflects a broader effort by the museum to engage younger audiences and families across Bastrop County.

The museum regularly hosts school field trips and family visits.

“We really want to be a resource for families in the community to help their kids connect to history and bring them into spaces of history, including the museum,” she said. “This is our response to more families wanting their kids to be civically minded and history minded.”

While the events and stories that happen in “Forge” occur outside of Bastrop County, Hatch said the program still aligns with the museum’s mission to preserve and promote history.

“We don’t want kids to think a museum is just the dodgy old place that only grown-ups can go into,” Hatch said. “We want them to realize that history belongs to them.”

The museum is also working with community partners, including the Elgin, Bastrop and Smithville public libraries, to help spread the word.

“We really want the museum to be seen as a community hub,” she said. “A place that’s accessible, engaging and hands-on for families all over the county.”

Hatch encouraged parents, educators and students to visit the museum and follow its social media channels for more information about the challenge and future programs.

More details can be found at bastropcountyhistoricalsociety. com.