Hagley Creek Kids: Black Powder

Experiment with the many different uses of black powder, from stone cutting to explosives! These Creek Kids events will focus on the science behind black powder and how it was used during times of war and peace. Activities are included with general admission and are free for members.

All-Day Activities:

Come and learn about black powder!

Activities start in the Millwright Shop, where you can discover how black powder was made with a diorama tour.

Then begin your apprenticeship in the Machine Shop and try operating one of the nineteenth-century machines.

Outside, draw your own tattoo to understand the global reach of DuPont black powder.

Across the road in the Wheelwright Shop learn how fireworks get their beautiful colors and make some fireworks of your own.

Outside, experience the military side of gunpowder by drilling and experiencing camp life.

On Workers’ Hill you can learn how ice cream is like a gunpowder explosion, and make some tasty “gunpowder truffles.”

Don’t forget to listen for the signal cannon firing at 1:30 and 3 p.m.!

Or you can explore on your own!

Check out all of the different activities the Creek Kids are doing today:

Diorama Tours
Millwright Shop

Machine Shop Apprenticeship
Machine Shop

Draw a Tattoo
Outside Millwright Shop

Fireworks Experiment
Wheelwright Shop

Military and Camp Life
Outside Wheelwright Shop

Cannon Firing
Outside Millwright Shop: 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Ice Cream
Outside Gibbon’s House

Gunpowder Truffles
Outside Gibbon’s House

PPAWWS (Service Dogs)
Outside Millwright Shop

Thanks to our friends at Paws and People Assisting Wounded Warriors (PPAWWS) for supporting today’s event. PPAWWS provides service dogs to veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries. PTSD has affected veterans from every American war, but has gone by different names. In the War of 1812, soldiers suffered from “nostalgia;” in the Civil War it was called “soldier’s heart.” To assist this organization, we are asking for donations of dog-related items, including leashes, collars, toys, flea and tick medicine, shampoo, and bedding. Donations can be brought to Hagley’s Visitor Center through the end of July. Stop by the PPAWWS table near the Millwright Shop to learn more about this organization and meet a working service dog!