“General Wallace had a ‘moat’ dug around half of his Study during its construction, and he stocked it with fish,” King said. “He taught his grandsons how to fish from the moat, and it’ll be interesting to watch kids fish from it once again.”
This time, however, children who will have the opportunity to fish from the General’s moat will do so without water, as the fish are made of cardboard and will attach to the kids’ cane poles with magnets. This is one of the many activities planned for Discovery Saturday, a special event held in conjunction with the Lew Wallace—Gentleman Scientist exhibit on Saturday, August 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Other fun things being planned for Discovery Saturday include making “nature impressions” on sun-sensitive paper, exploring the grounds with the Museum’s new Nature Study Backpacks, going on an innovation scavenger hunt, and taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum, including the Study’s basement, a place that is usually closed off to visitors.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to create a rudimentary fish ladder, similar to the one Wallace erected at Water Babble, his summer home on the outskirts of Crawfordsville. “What’s a fish ladder?” King teased. “You’ll have to come and see.”
All ages are welcome to this special event and admission is free. For further information, contact the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum at 765-362-5769 or email info@ben-hur.com.
