‘During the lockdown this March, I’ve been helping the Learning Team put together some Viking Braiding craft packs, and posting them out to local families who are part of Rusty’s Young Archaeologist Club.
There were about 20 packs to make up, each needing a piece of cardboard, 7 lengths of wool, a letter, and a booklet about the Vikings and how to make the bracelet. I had a go at making my own and although it took me a while, once I got into the swing of it I found it quite therapeutic, and it was impressive how strong the braid was. I made some extra packs up too, for take and make activities for the Learning Team to use at future events.
I actually broke my foot a couple of weeks ago so this has been a nice thing to do whilst I’m stuck inside. I also enjoyed finding out about Rusty, the mascot of the Young Archaeologist Club. Rusty is based on the skeleton of a 2000 year old dog that was excavated at a local farm – you can visit the skeleton in the museum.
I’m a new volunteer here and everyone has been lovely and welcoming so far, and I’m looking forward to getting more involved. I’m currently studying an MA in Curating at UWE, with a focus on museums and community engagement, so the activities run by the Learning Team are right up my street. I only recently moved to Yatton and have never actually visited the Museum! So I’m really looking forward to everywhere opening up again this summer, and seeing Rusty in person.’
Free Activities and Updates!
If you would like to receive free activities and information about the museum’s Young Archaeologist Club ‘Rusty Club’, including our ‘codebreaker’ activities, just sign up to our Rusty Club Mailing List (you will only receive emails that are relevant to family friendly museum activities, we won’t send you a load of spam!).