Each Wednesday in August, join us at the Cromwell Museum to explore what it was like to live in the 17th century through hands-on and creative activities. Become a civil war soldier, discover paintings and printing, and find out what people ate and drank 400 years ago!

Wednesday 4 August 2021: Become a Civil War Soldier!

Do you have what it takes to join the New Modelled Army, and fight for Parliament? Join us to make your own equipment, meet real Civil War soldiers, and receive your training certification, signed by Oliver Cromwell!

Booking required for craft activities. Our civil war soldiers will be in the Huntingdon Town Square from 10:30 – 16:00, available to meet you and tell you about what it’s like to be part of the New Modelled Army. They will be holding drop-in pike drilling activities for people of all ages, every hour starting at 10:30. Last drill will be at 15:30. (No booking required).

Wednesday 11 August 2021: Paintings and Portraiture

Have a go at portrait drawing in this hands-on session led by Peterborough artist, Tony Nero. Afterwards, head over to the museum to discover the secrets in our portraits with a brand new trail! 

The portrait drawing session is best for ages 8 and up. 

Wednesday 18 August 2021: Cromwellian Smells and Tastes

Discover what types of herbs the Cromwells used to make their food taste yummy, and to make their home and selves smell good. Join us to make herbal bundles to use in cooking, or to hang around your house, and make your own scent to take home!

Wednesday 25 August 2021: Printing and Press

How did people in the 17^th century write letters and books? Join us to find out and give it a go yourself!

Booking and Information

Activities are appropriate for ages 6 and up.

Due to limited space, you must book a table ahead of the event. Each table is limited to one family/group consisting of 2-6 children, with their adult chaperones, and your session will be limited to 45 minutes. Due to limited space, we may need to limit the amount of adults in the room so please keep your numbers to a minimum.

Sessions will be run at the following times each Wednesday:

• 11:00 – 11:45
• 12:00 – 12:45
• 13:00 – 13:45
• 14:00 – 14:45

Tables will be cleaned, and equipment sanitised between sessions. We ask that visitors aged 11+ wear a mask when indoors, and hand sanitiser will be available. All staff will be wearing a mask and/or a visor.

Book your table via Eventbrite. If you have any questions about the event, or our Covid-19 precautions, please contact Kristina at learning@cromwellmuseum.com.

This year, we’re bringing our activities to you at home!

If you are unable to book a table, or want to do our activities at home, we will have takeaway and digital versions of our activities available each week.

Our Cromwell Craft Kits will be available for £3 (or by donation) at the Cromwell Museum starting Tuesday 3 August, and will contain instructions, supplies, and surprises.

Our Digital Discoveries activities will be available for free online beginning Monday 2 August - visit https://www.cromwellmuseum.org/learning-hub/families to find them. Check back each week as new activities will be available every week in August!