Higgens Museum

We went to the Higgens Museum in Worcestor, MA yesterday. 2 of the boys are in their renissance shirts which we made at home.
We met up with 2 other families there for an educational treat.

We learned all about the armor and weapons of the middle ages here. The boys enjoyed a program on arms and armor in which 2 of them were called up to volunteer in the show. Here is one pointing out all of the vulnerable spots in field armor.

We especially enjoyed the hands on "discovery" room where we could try on helmets and play chess. "Rook threatens Queen," or something like that. Chess had a whole new dimension here with at times 9 children on the board for pieces. John lost this match to his oldest son who cornered him with 2 of his highly opinionated pieces. Lots of the game sounded like, "rook, move back 3". To which the rook replies, "What? Retreat?" Pawn chimes in, "Can I move now?" while Knight leans in to whisper his/her attack ideas. The good king listened to his pieces and got the game won. We're thinking up how to have a life size chess game at our upcoming birthday celebration in August. Our 13 year old would like a middle ages theme. We'll decorate goblets, challenge each other with staff on a bridge. (staff: styrofoam noodles, bridge: balance beam) There will be crossbows and trebuchets. (Marshmallow flinging devices.) And of course food and swimming in our new backyard pool.

~Rachel