Today, B. J. Davis of the N.C. Museum of History reminds us that sometimes the best way to teach kids about history is to talk about our own.

As much as I’d like to have you and your family here at the N.C. Museum of History, there are fun ways to enjoy history at home. Well, yes, the Internet is one way to explore history at home; however, I am referring to something more interactive and personal.

We all know kids love stories, so on the next rainy or oppressively hot day, break out your family photo albums and heirloom boxes, and share them with your kids. Tell them about your grandparents and great-grandparents. Show them that old button, piece of clothing or book that’s been in the family forever. Explain how your family can be traced back to the Mayflower, to the American Civil War or even to another country.

Exploring history at home helps your children understand their place in the world and build an appreciation for their heritage. It might be an old set of china, collectibles or a doll from your childhood that will spark their curiosity and link them to a family and community. It’s always entertaining to break out mom and dad’s childhood photo albums to see how “things have changed.” For some of us, stories of wandering the neighborhood until dinner, black-and-white television, Capt. Kangaroo and Ed Sullivan contrast sharply with play dates, video games, computers and Nickelodeon.

There are many of us who use “old stuff,” such as tools, quilts and baskets, to decorate our homes. (To make us feel better, we call them antiques.) You can see a variety of handcrafted objects from daily life in the exhibit Everyday Artistry, opening Friday, Aug. 22, at the museum. The exhibit will examine the idea of what items are viewed as decorative or as art. Most of the objects are everyday household articles — many similar objects are prized by collectors today.

It just goes to show that history can be as close as your own home.

Every weekend, a rotating group of writers offers ways to relax with your kids. 

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!