SAD NEWS:  The Walker family will be moving from St. Louis this summer.  In fact, we need to be out of our house by the end of this month (July 31).  Therefore, unless someone steps forward and is willing to continue this blog, I will have to discontinue my participation within the next few weeks.  I am sorry to have to do so, but I will simply not be able to keep up with events in the St. Louis area.  If someone is interested, it really doesn't take that much time, but I do have to be in touch with different local homeschool support groups to learn of their activities that are open to all homeschoolers; various homeschool-related organizations and businesses such as Pillar Foundation, Day Spring Centre for Arts and Education, Providence Fine Arts Academy, the Homeschool Sampler, The Family Vision Library, etc.; and other groups that have events for or of interest to homeschoolers such as the Zoo, the History Museum, the Art Museum, Missouri Botanical Gardens, The Magic House, the Science Center, etc.  Most of them have sent their information to me via e-mail.  And this is just in the St. Louis area--there are other things around the state that I have always had trouble getting information about.   We will certainly miss all the friends that we have made in the homeschooling community here in St. Louis.

FREE JULY EVENTS AT THE MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM
     July 5 at 1 p.m. - Storytelling Workshops: Pack a Picnic. Join us on our picnic blanket as we tell stories about our favorite summertime foods. 
     July 5 at 2:00 p.m. - Gallery Talk -  What Does the Fourth of July Mean to Me?  Ideas of Patriotism Along Racial and Economic Divides.  Meet in Seeking St. Louis: Reflections.
     Saturdays, July 5, 12, 26 at 3:00 p.m. -- Theatre in the Museum:  Go Home Rosie!  Find out what happened to Rosie the Riveter after World War II ended. 
      Tuesday, July 8, Noon to 1:00 p.m. -- Lunch and Learn Series, Betty Grable: Biography in AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room (Free).  Born Elizabeth Ruth Grable in St. Louis in 1916, Betty Grable was groomed for stardom by her mother from an early age.  Join us for this Biography program that includes rare footage and intimate interviews that look beyond those million dollar legs to find the truth about the top pin-up star of the '40s.  Bring your own bag lunch or purchase a lunch from Meriwether's, the museum's restaurant.  Please allow an additional 10 minutes for menu item orders.
     Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 at 2:00 p.m. -- Theatre in the Museum: Billy Yank - Hard Tack to Hard Marches.  NEW! Hear the story of what it was like to be a grunt soldier for the Union.
     July 8 - August 15; Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Fridays: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.:  Drop-In Make-and-Take Workshops MacDermott Grand Hall (Free).  Participants of all ages will enjoy creating arts and crafts projects inspired by objects and themes in our galleries.  Projects will include Native American dream catchers, model airplanes, historic paper dolls, rally flags, journal scrapbooks, and more.  Just drop in and join us!  One adult for every four children is required.  Groups of more than eight people must schedule: (314) 361-9017. 
     July 9 through August 14, 11:30 a.m. -- Make plans to bring your summer school, camp, youth program or homeschoolers to see Where Fires Dwell.  On Wednesdays and Thursdays from performances of this play will be followed by a role-playing activity for the audience.  Reservations are required; call (314) 361-9017. 
     Friday, July 11, 25 at 2:00 p.m. -- Theatre in the Museum:  Zenobia Unchained: The Life and Work of Harriet Hosmer, American Sculptor .  This remarkable woman was one of the greatest 19th century American scholars.  She studied anatomy in St. Louis, and St. Louis is home to some of her greatest works.  Hear this unconventional woman's take on the most conventional of times - the Victorian Era.
     July 11 at 10:30 a.m. & July 12 at 1 p.m.  - Storytelling Workshops: Animal on a Bike.  Bikes aren't just for kids!  Join us for silly stories about animals riding bicycles.  
     July 12 at 2:00 p.m. - Gallery Talk -  Creoles of the Louisiana Territory.  Meet in Seeking St. Louis: Currents.
     Saturday, July 12, and Saturday, August 23, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. -- Genealogy Series, African American Genealogy Workshops in AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room (Free).  Regarded by many as the authority on African American genealogy, the Afro-American Genealogical Society of St. Louis, Landon Cheek Chapter is a non-profit organization created to foster dynamic African American genealogy research.   Whether you're a novice or an enthusiast, join us for ongoing workshops designed to develop basic skills in gathering, preserving, researching and publishing the history, genealogy and culture of people of African descents in the St. Louis region.  On August 23, join us for a special workshop with Charles U. Brown of the Afro-American Genealogical Society of St. Louis, Landon Cheek Chapter.  He will share ideas on how to organize, host and put on a family reunion. 
      Saturdays, July 12, 19, 26 at 11:30 a.m. -- Theatre in the Museum - Teens Make History:  Where Fires Dwell.  This Missouri History Museum original play follows a family seeking to survive and overcome the East St. Louis Race Riots of 1917.  Local teens take the stage performing plays based on St. Louis history.  These FREE programs are held in the Lee Auditorium.
     Sunday, July 13, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. -- Second Sunday Celebration, The Strategy of Victory Youth Chess Tournament; Sponsored by Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis; Co-sponsored by the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis in MacDermott Grand Hall.  Free, but reservations are required; call (314) 361-9017  In the 21st century-age of XBox, chess - the oldest game of skill - still thrives.  Stop by the Missouri History Museum to watch a new generation square off in the contest of strategy and cunning. 
     Tuesday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. -- Michael Eastman and the Modern Past - A Presentation and Book Signing; Co-sponsored by the Duane Reed Gallery in Lee Auditorium.  Free, but ticketed.  Think of the quirky buildings you pass every day but whose quiet beauty you take for granted - the movie houses, juke joints, soda fountains, barbershops, roadside diners and storefront churches.  You don't miss them until they're gone.  As suburban sprawl and strip malls conquer the country, these vestiges of a lost way of life are falling under the wrecking ball.  Photographer Michael Eastman has made the ultimate road trip, crisscrossing the nation dozens of times, to capture these buildings on film before they vanish and has packaged them for us so neatly in his book Vanishing America: The End of Main Street Diners, Drive-Ins, Donut Shops and Other Everyday Monuments. 
     July 18 at 10:30 a.m. & July 19  at 1 p.m.  - Storytelling Workshops: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream.  July is National Ice Cream Month.  Come learn about the history of the ice cream cone at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and hear stories about ice cream. 
     Saturday, July 19, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. -- Family Fun Day Celebrates the National Day of Ice Cream (A Day Early!) Throughout the Museum (Free).  In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the third Sunday in July as the National Day of Ice Cream.  In honor of this momentous occasion, the Missouri History Museum and St. Louis' North Star Frozen Treats have decided to start a day early and make this a holiday to remember. 
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Get your picture taken for FREE in the F4 Phantom in the Flight City exhibition. 
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. - Listen to an ice cream-themed Storytelling in the Galleries program (meet in The 1904 World's Fair).
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Enjoy FREE ice cream treats and appearances by Norton the Penguin (don't forget your camera!).
1:45 p.m. - Hear a great 1904 World's Fair music program.
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Participate in fun hands-on activities.
2:30 p.m. - Tap your toes to an "old tyme fiddle music" concert.
     July 19 at 2:00 p.m. - Gallery Talk -  Funny Pages: Political Cartoons.  Meet at the entrances to the Seeking St. Louis galleries.
     July 25 at 10:30 a.m. & July 26 at 1 p.m.  - Storytelling Workshops: Water, Water Everywhere.  Summer is all about water - swimming pools, fishing, going to the beach and more!  Join us for stories about fun in the water. 
     July 26 at 2:00 p.m. - Gallery Talk -  Cultures on Display: An Anthropological Look at the 1904 World's Fair.  Meet at the entrance to The 1904 World's Fair.
     Saturday, July 26, 2:00 p.m. -- The Roots of Tennis Presentation and Book Signing in Lee Auditorium (Free).  The Roots of Tennis: Blue Bloods to Blue Collars by Jack Eggmann tells of the history of tennis in St. Louis, described in depth with obvious love of the game.  Eggmann thoroughly covers Dwight Davis, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, Butch Buchholz and Chuck McKinley.  The text is illustrated by a large collection of prints, some very rare and some from the Missouri History Museum.  It's a must-have book for any tennis lover! 
     Tuesday, July 29, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. -- Trash or Treasure: Civil War-Style, Presented in cooperation with Ivey-Selkirk Auctioneers
in MacDermott Grand Hall; $5 per item per person; $4 per item for MHM members.  There is a limit of two items per person.  Tickets will be sold for 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. time slots  Reservations are required; call (314) 361-9017.  What is the family heirloom you inherited worth in cold, hard cash?  Could that $5 flea market find finance your children's college education?  Are those antiques you've been hoarding in the attic a treasure trove or a pile of worthless junk?  This year we are extending a special invitation to those who have items related to the Civil War and the Victorian era (though anyone with an item to be appraised is welcome). 
No coins, stamps or firearms appraised
Verbal appraisals given for informational purposes only; no written appraisals
Absolutely no buying or selling of merchandise
Items must be small enough to carry; no items brought in on dollies
Attendees are responsible for maintaining their items' safety/condition
Appraisers are independent and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Missouri History Museum
     Tuesday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. -- James B. Eads, Ulysses S. Grant and the Civil War Ironclads in Lee Auditorium (Free).  Before he built the bridge in St. Louis, James B. Eads built seven ironclads - steam-propelled warships protected by iron or steel armor plates - in 100 days, just in time to play a critical role in Grant's successful campaign to capture Forts Henry and Donelson.  Eads and Grant became warm friends and allies.  Join Jerry Porter as he discusses the careers and friendships of these two 19th century icons. 
     If you have questions, contact us at 314.361.9265 or education@mohistory.org .

DESTINATION THEATRE COMPANY HOMESCHOOL SPECIAL: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
July 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12
West County Assembly of God, 13431 N. Outer 40 Rd., Chesterfield, MO
(Hwy, 40 and Maryville Center Dr.)
     Have you ever wanted to attend a high-quality theatrical production only to find that the tickets were out of your price range?  Ever
wanted to take your kids to a theatrical event but didn't know what kinds of inappropriate language or content you'd have to explain later?  Well, we have a great answer to both of those problems.
     Destination Theatre Company presents a great homeschool special for our upcoming production of A Christmas Carol.  Performances for the musical production are .  Regular prices for the 7th and 8th, which includes popcorn and soda, are $7 each or $40 for a table of 8.  Regular prices for the 10th, 11th and 12, which includes a full dinner or brunch, are $15 each or $100 for a table.
     However, just for homeschool families, you can purchase individual tickets for the July 8th performance for just $3 or a complete table for just $20.
     To get this special price, point your browser to www.dtcboxoffice.org/homeschool.  Enter a username of 'homeschool' and
the password 'hscc2008'  Tickets can be purchased from the resulting page using PayPal.
     To order by phone or email, contact us using the information below.  Tickets must be purchased by June 30th, 2008 in order to receive this pricing.
     For more information, contact Allen Moore, Director at allen@destinationtc.org .

MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP: DISNEY'S SLEEPING BEAUTY
July 7 - July 25, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 am to 2:30 pm
DaySpring School of the Arts, 2608 Metro Blvd., Maryland Hgts., MO  63043
Ages 6-11, $250
For information or registration, call (314) 291-8878,
e-mail office@dayspringarts-ed.org , or visit www.dayspringarts-ed.org  

MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP: ONCE UPON A MATRESS
July 8 - Aug. 1, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 9 am to 2:30 pm
DaySpring School of the Arts, 2608 Metro Blvd., Maryland Hgts., MO  63043
Ages 11 to, $325
For information or registration, call (314) 291-8878,
e-mail office@dayspringarts-ed.org , or visit www.dayspringarts-ed.org  

PRESCHOOL CREATIVE ARTS WORKSHOP
July 8-24, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 to 11:30 am
DaySpring School of the Arts, 2608 Metro Blvd., Maryland Hgts., MO  63043
Ages 3-5, $120
For information or registration, call (314) 291-8878,
e-mail office@dayspringarts-ed.org , or visit www.dayspringarts-ed.org  

SUMMER AND FALL ACTIVITIES AT THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, 15193 Olive Blvd. in Faust Park, Chesterfield, Mo.
     July 9 & 16: Butterfly Display: Pins and Mounts. Practice the most useful skill to any entomologist: learn to pin and mount an insect for display in this two-part class. Ages eight through 12. 10 to 11 a.m. $18. (636) 530-0076, ext. 13.
     July 11 & 13: “Camp Bugaloo: Bugs and Blossoms.” Science, math and language development are the focus of this 90-minute nature-themed program. Visit the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Little Miss Muffett’s friends, make a floral creation, and crawl into a sunflower house for some special time. Ages four and five, with a parent or guardian. Friday, 10:30 a.m.; or Sunday, 12:30 p.m. $18 per class covers each child and one adult. Pre-registration required. (636) 530-0076, ext. 13.
     July 18 & 20: “Camp Bugaloo: Bugs and Blossoms.” Science, math and language development are the focus of this 90-minute nature-themed program. Visit the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Little Miss Muffett’s friends, make a floral creation, and crawl into a sunflower house for some special time. Ages two and three, with a parent or guardian. Friday, 10:30 a.m.; or Sunday, 12:30 p.m. $18 per class covers each child and one adult. Pre-registration required. (636) 530-0076, ext. 13.
     July 19: Craft Saturday. Children of all ages can make a fun project between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
     July 26: “Bug Hunt Challenge.” The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House has been challenged by other butterfly houses and zoos across the U.S. to see who can collect the most insects. Collecting sessions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For ages eight and older with a parent. A great family activity! Register on site on the day of the event. Participation is limited. (636) 530-0076, ext. 10.
     Aug. 2: Craft Saturday. Children of all ages can make a fun project between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
     Aug. 8 & 10: “Camp Bugaloo: Bugs and Blossoms.” Science, math and language development are the focus of this 90-minute nature-themed program. Visit the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Little Miss Muffett’s friends, make a floral creation, and crawl into a sunflower house for some special time. Ages two and three, with a parent or guardian. Friday, 10:30 a.m.; or Sunday, 12:30 p.m.  $18 per class covers each child and one adult. Pre-registration required. (636) 530-0076, ext. 13.
     Throughout September: The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House celebrates its tenth anniversary with special activities all month long. Details TBD.
     Sept. 20: Craft Saturday. Children of all ages can make a fun project between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
     COST: Included with admission ($6 adults, $4.50 seniors, $4 ages 4 to 12, free ages 3 and under), unless otherwise noted
     INFO: (636) 530-0076; www.butterflyhouse.org