Pioneer Trails Mobile Museum brings Idaho history to life in District 93

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Fourth graders in District 93 got first hand experience of life on the Pioneer Trail without having to leave campus. From sawing wood, making fires, to shooting wild game; these students had a hands-on experience to their education.

"They're just kind of mimicking chores that were done on the trail," Pioneer Trails Mobile Museum Co-Owner Gary Bruesch said.

Gary and his wife, Linda, were motivated to create the mobile museum by the growing decline in history education.

"This is actually part of their fourth grade social studies curriculum," said Linda Bruesch, co-owner of Pioneer Trails Mobile Museum. "Social studies usually ends up towards the bottom of the list unfortunately. So this is a way students can learn their social studies, their Idaho state history, and key people to Idaho history through hands-on experience."

The Pioneer Trails Mobile Museum gives the kids this field-trip experience, without leaving the campus grounds. Linda and Gary hope to expand their lessons to more schools across the region, offering children the chance to get outside and participate in their history.

"I think we can learn from our past," Gary said. "This are a lot of skill sets that these kids don't have because they play video games. So today they're learning to tie knots, saw wood, strike a match, and light fire with rubbing two sticks together."

Stepping into the life of a pioneer, even for just one day, can help children see them as real people and better understand their lives.

If you are interested in learning more about the Pioneer Trails Mobile Museum, here is the link to their website.