The pupils enthralled visitors with their enthusiasm and knowledge of the prehistoric site as Takeover Day 2016 was officially launched. The next event will take place on Friday 18 November and will once again give children and young people meaningful, powerful, decision-making roles at heritage sites, museums and galleries, doing jobs that adults would normally do. Last year, more than 6,000 young people took part UK-wide with Museums + Heritage Advisor dedicating its homepage to young cultural reporters on the day.
The 13-year-olds pupils gave visitors to Stonehenge as taste of what the event has to offer by showing off their Neolithic knowledge by handling tools and household objects in reconstructions of Neolithic homes, to demonstrate what family life was like 5,500 years ago.
Thirteen-year-old Jordan said: “Doing Takeover as a tour guide at Stonehenge really excites you whether you’re interested in history or not. It’s like work experience. It’s like a proper job. It’s a great way to get young people involved. It’s giving something back to your community.”
Until 13-year-old twins Sean and Calum trained as Takeover tour guides, they’d never visited Stonehenge, even though they live close by. Sean said: “When I did Takeover, I thought I really want a job here. I was an amazing tour guide!” His twin brother Calum said: “I’ve learnt about life here. I’ve learnt that even if people reject you at first, don’t give up, try again.”
Tourists to Stonehenge – one of Britain’s most popular tourist sites – were so impressed with the young tour guides that they queued to have their photos taken with them.
Kids in Museums supports museums, galleries and heritage sites to be more welcoming of children, families and young people – in particular those who haven’t visited before. Kids in Museums is delighted to be partnering with English Heritage on Takeover Day this year.
Planning and Sharing events for Takeover Day (which are free but require booking).
What you’ll find out from the day: How to plan your Takeover Day. New ways to put young people at the heart of your work . Inspiring ideas from venues who took part last year. Partners you can work with on Takeover Day.
The Novium Museum, Chichester – Friday 17 June – 11am – 3pm: Book here
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury – Monday 4 July – 11am – 3pm: Book here
Jerwood Gallery, Hastings – Tuesday 5 July – 11am – 3pm: Book here
The Hepworth Wakefield – Thursday 7 July – 11am – 3pm: Book here
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge – Wednesday 13 July – 10am – 2pm: Book here
Reading Museum – Monday 18 July – 11am – 3pm: Book here
Cornwall’s Regimental Museum, Bodmin – Thursday 21 July – 9.45am – 4pm: Book here
York Castle Museum – Monday 12 September – 11am – 3.30pm: Book here
Get in touch with the Takeover Day team by email: [email protected].
