National Museum of the United States Navy Host "Girls Make History Day"

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gina K. Morrissette, Naval History and Heritage Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The National Museum of the United States Navy sponsored the third annual "Girls Make History Day,", Washington, D.C., for more than 800 children, June 25.

The event was based on the popular American Girl doll series and encouraged the children to explore U.S. naval history and heritage through the stories of American Girl characters that lived during significant periods in U.S. history.

Karin Hill, director of education and public programs for the museum has organized this event for the past three years.

"This event gives young girls a chance to come and explore the history of the U.S. Navy through the eyes of historic American girls," she said. "We picked 10 historic women and we set up activities to talk about their history and what the Navy was doing during that same time. We hope to entice these young ladies to explore the historical time period of these women and also to interact with the men and women in uniform."

Hill went on to say that this event gives children the opportunity to see more of women's history, in American culture and in the Navy, than is commonly seen.

"All too often when we think about military and historic events, we think of men," said Hill. "I think these young ladies need to be encouraged to explore what options and career paths are open to them – if we can get them a little more interested in our history and help them see their full potential by using a popular series of characters from American Girl then all the better."

American Girl characters were created more than 25 years ago to show young girls that they can do great things if they believe in themselves. The characters in each story illustrate the power of determination, imagination, courage, and hope.

Jackie Greene, author of the American Girl Rebecca Rubin series was on hand to sign books and autographs.

"Being here with the military and seeing all of these amazing women in uniform, who have experienced so much, is a great opportunity for me," said Greene. "I think that the young ladies here today are so lucky to be learning about women's history, not only from the American Girl books, but also from these historic women walking around the museum today."

Museum employees and volunteers were present throughout the day, providing BBQ food and helping the children with hands-on activity stations based upon 10 of the historic American Girl characters.

Clarissa Dean, a museum technician working at the museum, was one of the volunteers at this year's event and she believes holding Girls Make History day at the Naval Museum is one of the best ways for children to experience American history.

"Having this event take place at the Naval Museum is the best place I could imagine it being held," she said. "Having it here enables us to have the American Girl crafts at each table tailored specifically to naval history of that same time period. The children have the chance to learn more about their dolls while learning about other things that were going on in history from the displays surrounding them."

As part of the event, the museum raffled three full-size American Girl dolls. Additionally, three lucky children, who came dressed as their favorite characters, received mini American Girl dolls.

Claira Cunningham, who came dressed as her favorite character, Josefina, said that she loves learning about the heritage of her doll.

"I really like learning about the culture of Indians the most," she said. "Josefina is Spanish, but I picked her because she looked the most like me."

Calira's Father, Capt. Tom Cunningham, director of facilities for the Washington Naval Yard, said that the American Girl characters and products are great for more reasons than one.

"These dolls not only portray these historic women as younger girls to match the age group of my daughters," said Cunnigham. "They also offer an alternative to what a lot of kids are using for education these days - electronics. These dolls and their stories give children a chance to use their imaginations to learn about history, rather than turning to televisions or computers."

"We hope that this event will teach these children that what women have accomplished in the past can also be accomplished today," said Greene. "From the American Girl stories and from naval history they can see that their life may not be so different from someone else who may have lived in the early 1900's. No matter what era you are from, girls can have dreams, and if they work hard enough, those dreams can come true."