Politics may be a touchy topic for many adults. However, for some kids on the Upper West Side, they got a lesson on one political figure in a fun-interactive way. Our Gene Apodaca has the story.
From songs to arts and crafts, kids as young as four-years-old took a trip into the past on Saturday.
They were learning about a man who helped shape American politics.
"I've been learning quite a lot about Valley Forge," said 8-year-old Sasha Reich.
It was called Hamilton Times! — a family benefit party for the DiMenna Children's History Museum at the New York Historical Society — where kids experienced, through actor interaction and other hands-on exhibits, a lesson about the nation's first Secretary of Treasury.
Hamilton is a political figure seeing a resurgence in popularity thanks to the hit Broadway show of the same name.
"What's really interesting about Hamilton mania is that it really has kids like mine interested in the era, interested in Hamilton specifically," said parent Steven Reich.
Part of the lesson included a battle reenactment where kids learned about the weaponry of the day. They also learned about the infamous duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr, which ended Hamilton's life.
Kids also took photos in order to put their faces on the ten-dollar bill. Even got to explore a mock ship.
The museum's founder says given the current political climate, learning opportunities like this are invaluable.
"Today after the importance of yesterday historically, I can't think of a better time for us to be engaging children from the very tiniest on up in the history of their country their place in the continuum of that history and an eye toward a constructive future," said the museum's Diana DiMenna.
While the children are having fun while they're learning there is a bigger goal here. This is the annual fundraiser where the Children's History Museum hopes to raise more than $300,000.
All that money goes directly back to the Museum to help fund other educational events. Programs, this parent says are definitely needed.
"It's very much important especially when you're part of a great country as America," said Keston Brown. You want them to embrace every knowledge and history that they have."