by Christina Bellas, Interpretation & Education Manager

Lake Metroparks Farmpark’s new Longhouse Building program was inspired by a similar program at Monmouth County Park System in New Jersey. In our retired program, Native Americans: Ohio’s First Farmers, children explored ancient cultures that lived and traveled in this area. They went on a hike to see environmental resources available for food, medicine and dyes. We showcased our 20-foot-tall teepee, did an artifact exploration and learned about horses in Native American culture. Why not highlight what they may have lived in and use this as an opportunity to give children a more hands on approach to learning?  

Having the kids work together to make a shelter offers a great opportunity for teamwork and cooperation. Some of the children may have put up a tent in scouts or have been camping with their families, but can they work together with their classmates to build a house from canvas and poles? Can they do it in a limited time frame? Specific length canvas pieces have been purchased and grommeted to match the top and sides of the longhouse. The various-sized posts and poles will be measured and cut. This shelter will use a four-inch diameter ridge pole to support it, with the length of that specific pole at 16 feet. The height of the supporting middle beam is more than seven feet tall. Each longhouse building allows up to 25 children to work together on its construction. The program is 3.5 hours with a 30-minute lunch break.

A completed longhouse

Why the farm connection with the longhouse build? The canvas represents bark and materials used by early people who could create a permanent village and become seminomadic. They may have grown corn, beans, squash and created gardens. They may have gathered nuts, berries and mushrooms grown seasonally for their food sources. What a neat opportunity to have a teambuilding project, to learn about our beautiful natural resources and study ancient civilizations.