Take the Kids: Check out the Museum of Durham History's updated children's play area

I wrote about the Museum of Durham History last year. The tiny space in downtown Durham tells the story of Durham from its beginnings.

When I wrote about it last year, I noted that it had a great space for young kids to play. Well, I'm happy to report that the space got a makeover, and now there is even more for kids to do in this free museum.

"We wanted to make the space more purposeful and interactive for younger audiences," Jeanette Shaffer, director of operations, tells me.

The museum received a donation from Durham Academy of an iPad and green screen, so that children could take pictures in front of historic Durham spaces, she tells me. Melissa and Doug, the toy company, also chipped in with a donation of toys, including trains and a train conductor costume. What's more, museum staff are working on developing more technology for the space that will provide historical narratives about individuals, places and events for younger audiences.

As part of the updated space, Shaffer tells me that they've re-introduced the museum’s Durham A-Z exhibit with a focus on elementary school children. The exhibit will examine topics from Durham’s history as they move through the alphabet, she tells me. The first exhibit, A is for Ann Atwater, examines the contributions of the local Civil Rights leader and community organizer.

"Overall, we are hoping to get our younger audiences engaged with local history early on to gain an understanding of their community," she tells me.

This isn't a giant museum, and the children's area isn't a big space. But there's enough room here for a group of young kids to build with blocks and train tracks, try on dress up clothes and learn a little bit about Durham history.

The Museum of Durham History is at 500 W. Main St. between downtown Durham and Brightleaf Square. It's a great quick stop if you're at the Durham farmers' market, Durham Central Park or places like Ninth Street Bakery or Bull City Mini.

It's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Free parking is available along the museum driveway.

Go Ask Mom’s Take the Kids series is your No. 1 resource for weekly ideas about kid-focused places to take your family in the Triangle and beyond. New articles are published every Friday.