Feb. 10, 11am. Catherine will be taking a group for this free educational program at the Fredericksburg museum, lunch to follow afterwards.
From 11 a.m. to noon on Feb. 10, docents will be stationed at different areas of “Water/Ways” to discuss its relationship to the Rappahannock River. In the interactive program, they’ll talk about the water cycle, human consumption and run-off pollutants that harm the river. The program caters to children in second to fifth grade, but all ages are invited.
1. Video
2. From the Free Lance-Star
"Let’s take a moment to think about water.
"We take it for granted, but how much do you really know about it?
"First, it’s crucial for life. We know that water is one of the reasons life is possible here on Earth.
"And we all know that we should probably drink a certain amount daily to stay hydrated.
"But there’s so much more about water that most of us probably don’t regularly think about.
"For instance, the very reason Fredericksburg exists here is because of the Rappahannock River, as the city grew out of a shipping port. Now, the river is also a place where families may spend a summer day swimming, kayaking or fishing.
"Here is where “Water/Ways” dives in.
"It’s a traveling exhibit through the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program, and it’s on its way here. “Water/Ways” runs from Jan. 28 through March 11 at the Fredericksburg Area Museum.
“This ‘Water/Ways’ exhibit is so perfect for us because so rarely do we focus on the river as a real source of cultural identity, but it’s the whole reason Fredericksburg is where it is,” said Melanie Johnson, senior development officer.
“Water/Ways” is part of the Smithsonian’s #ThinkWater project, which explores water from scientific and cultural perspectives through a variety of programs. The goal is to raise appreciation of water as a vital resource and share the importance of conservation.
"As a multidisciplinary exhibit, “Water/Ways” will explore how water is an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally and historically. For instance, water takes on different meanings around the globe, such as a source of peace, contemplation and as a sacred symbol. Water has also affected settlement and migration patterns."