Live the Story

Live the Story

Tuesday June 23 | 4:30-6pm
THS Member $8/person | Nonmember: $10/person
Online registration is now closed. Please call 248-524-3570 to register over the phone by 5pm on June 22.

Bring your reading to life by putting yourself in the shoes of some of your favorite characters from historical books. Learn about some of the historical events surrounding books like the American Girl Doll series, Little House on the Prairie, Dear America, and I Survived, then get hands on as you explore the Village and experience some of the events and activities from the book.

This first program in the series will focus on the story of the American Girl Doll Kirsten who was a pioneer in Minnesota in 1854. Participants will learn about transportation of the era, help with chores around the Log Cabin, and make a rag doll to take home.

This program will run for approximately 90 minutes. Appropriate for ages 7 to 12. Participants do not need to have read the book, but it is suggested. Kids must be attended by a paying adult. THV is in no way affiliated with American Girl Doll or Mattel.

What to Expect

When you arrive, please check in inside the Main Building (large, red brick building facing Wattles). The program will begin promptly at your scheduled start time, so be sure to arrive early enough to park and walk inside.

Families will visit the Log Cabin and surrounding environment where we talk about the American Girl Doll book Meet Kirsten. Kids will then share some of the experiences of characters from the book including doing historic chores like carrying a yoke and buckets. These chores will involve lifting, carrying, and moving around. Kids will also do an exercise in which they try to communicate with someone else while not being able to speak their language.

The program concludes with making a rag doll to take home. Kids do not need to bring supplies, the book, or an American Girl Doll (although they are welcome to do so). After your craft-making time, you are welcome to walk around and look at other Village buildings as time permits.

At the end of your program, you will exit through the gate on the side of the main building. We will have green signs to help direct your path.

Frequently Asked Questions

For accessibility information, please contact us at info@thvmail.org or call 248-524-3570.

• Do I need to register in advance? Yes! Registration will close at 12pm on Monday June 22. No walk-ins will be allowed on the day of the program due to limited supplies.
• Do I need to bring my own supplies? No! All supplies are included with registration payment. Participants are welcome to bring one America Girl Doll or related item (at their own risk).
• Why do adults pay if they are not participating in the program? While adults are not participating in the program, they are still visiting the Village, so their registration fee covers the cost of admission after hours.
• My older child wants to participate, but I have children under the recommend age. Can I still bring them? Yes! We encourage adults to explore the rest of the Village using Scavenger Hunts with younger siblings during this after-hours program. For children under 6 years old admission to the Village is free. Components of this program may be too advanced for children under 7 years old so please use your discretion when registering your child.
• Can I bring a stroller or a wagon? Yes! We have a paved sidewalk throughout the Village. You are welcome to take the strollers and wagons inside the buildings (each one has a ramp entrance), and we ask that you are mindful about the spaces inside when driving the stroller or wagon through.
• Do you have quiet spaces to go if one of my group members needs a sensory break? Yes! Inside the Caswell House on the main floor or upstairs at the Parsonage. You can also ask us when you arrive - THV Staff and volunteers are ready and prepared to try and help accommodate your needs!
• Will I be able to explore the rest of the Village? Yes, the rest of the Village will be open for paying participants.
• Will food or drink be available? No, Troy Historic Village does not sell food, nor do we have water fountains. You are welcome to bring a bottle of water and snacks are allowed for medical reasons. Please note we are a peanut free facility.
• Can I bring my dog? Only service animals are allowed at the Village. We strive to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable, so please leave your pets at home.

Parking & Directions

The Troy Historic Village is located at 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy MI 48098 (northwest corner of Wattles and Livernois). There are two parking lots at the Village. After you park, head towards the Main Building (large, red brick building facing Wattles) to check in!