Summer Family Fun Series: West African STL at the Missouri History Museum

Date: Friday, July 10
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Missouri History Museum
Cost: Free

The Summer Family Fun Series happens every Friday in June and July (except July 3). Family-friendly activities include crafts, performances, scavenger hunts, storytelling and more. Recommended for families with children ages 2–12.

Explore the beauty of West African culture in St. Louis through crafts, dance, food, stories and more!

Schedule

Storytelling: West African Stories | 10:30–11:15 a.m. | History Clubhouse

We’ll share stories and songs about West African people, culture and traditions.

Drum Circle and Dance Workshop | 11:15–11:45 a.m., 12:15–12:45 p.m. | AT&T Room

Feel the rhythms of West African with this interactive dance and drum workshop from Vitendo 4 Africa!

Art of Beading | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Schnucks Classroom

Learn about the significance of coral beads in West African culture from Dr. Juliet lwelunmor. Discuss the origins, importance, and different styles of coral beads. Then, make your own beads inspired by West African beading culture.

Basket Weaving with Zellipah Githui | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Grand Hall

Tabling Activities | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Grand Hall

Discover the history and culture of different West African nations with presentations from local students with Vitendo 4 Africa!

Katherine Dunham Gallery Activity | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Collected

Learn about dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist Katherine Dunham and how she brought West African dances and rhythms to her own dance technique.

Crafts | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Atrium 

Make a kente cloth pattern, create a percussive instrument and construct your own West African–style mask!

A Taste of West Africa | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Grand Hall

Explore the flavors of West African cuisine with food from FUFU n’ Sauce.