Night At The Museum Brings History To Life After Dark

The Vermilion Heritage Museum offered visitors a different way to experience local history on October 2, welcoming families through its doors after hours for a free Night at the Museum event.

Hosted in partnership with the Vermilion Wellness Coalition and funded by the Rural Mental Health Project, the evening invited families to grab their flashlights and explore the museum in a fun and interactive setting.

Approximately 30 families and 92 people attended the event, taking part in an evening that combined history, games, food and family time.

The idea for the event began when the Vermilion Wellness Coalition approached the museum about hosting a family-friendly activity. Funding received by the Coalition helped cover the cost of the evening, with a portion also being donated to the museum.

Together, organizers came up with the idea of a flashlight scavenger hunt that would allow children and their families to experience the museum in a way they might not have before.

Armed with flashlights and a list of clues, families searched throughout the museum for hidden items inspired by the Night at the Museum movie, including toy soldiers, monkeys, horses and dinosaurs. Prizes were awarded for finding the items on the list, adding a little friendly competition to the evening.

Visitors could also take a step back in time at a photo booth set up with old-fashioned hats, gloves and clothing. Families were able to dress up, take photos and have some fun before continuing to explore the museum and its exhibits.

The evening eventually moved outdoors to the fire pit, where families gathered to cook hotdogs and s’mores. Hot chocolate and fruit were also available for guests to enjoy.

Vermilion Heritage Museum board president Jean Muir said organizers were thrilled with the community’s response to the event.

“I’m so glad we had such a great turnout for this event,” said Muir. “We have had them in the past and they are always such fun. To see children and adults respectively learn about the history we have here in Vermilion is wonderful.”

While the evening was designed to give families an enjoyable way to spend time together, Muir hopes it may also introduce a new generation to the museum and the role volunteers play in keeping local history alive.

The museum is currently looking for more volunteers, and Muir said she would like to see families become involved together in the future.

“I’m hoping to get some families to volunteer at the museum next year,” she said. “We are getting short on volunteers, and I think having families involved is a great way to spend time together and help out the community and show kids how volunteering can be fun.”

Night at the Museum gave children and adults an opportunity to experience Vermilion’s history in a relaxed and playful atmosphere, while bringing families together for an evening of exploration, food and community connection.