South Lake Tahoe students learn about local history

Who were the first residents of the Lake Tahoe basin? How do you convey the word "SOS" in Morse Code? What is the 1930's cabin tour? If you don't know the answers to these questions, ask a third grader.

In the month of October, 220 students from third grade classes in Lake Tahoe Unified School District took field trips to the Lake Tahoe History Museum where they spent a morning with hands on displays, singing and docent led museum tours.

The school tours started in 2010 when Jackie Dumin, the Tallac Site Director for the U.S. Forest Service, developed the program.

"It was a new idea at the time—that kids would enjoy our history museum every bit as much as adults," said Bonnie Turnbull, long time volunteer for the program. "Everyone found it so successful that Jeanne Benin took on organizational leadership for the program ever since."

Benin organized several volunteers who led inside and outside tours, music, and other hands on experiences.

To encourage family participation, each student was given a certificate that they bring back to the museum to get validated. Each class received a read-a-long book to take back with them as well as a fun activity to remember their trip.

A grant from the El Dorado Community Foundation covers the bus transportation, and a local donation provides the books and supplies.

For those that didn't participate, the museum has a History Hunt for kids, and a prize upon completion. For the winter, the museum is open on Saturdays only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Soon you can check out their website for details on the upcoming Victorian Christmas on December 19, complete with a decorated museum and cabin, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, treats and caroling.

The museum recently won Honorable Mention for the Blue Ribbon Award for best Geotourism opportunity in South Lake Tahoe. They are located at 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA.