1860s Children's Day

10/24/2026 | Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site | New Madrid, Mo.

Children of all ages are invited to Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site on Saturday, Oct. 24, for 1860s Children's Day. This free event will feature interactive activities for kids, as well as self-guided tours of the Hunter-Dawson House. Everyone is welcome, and there is no need to register.

Event Schedule:

Outdoor Activities, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., children will have the opportunity to learn what life was like in the 1860s by participating in common chores and games of the period. Activities will include washing clothes with a washboard, dipping candles, making corn shuck dolls, walking on stilts and more. These activities will take place in the front yard of the Hunter-Dawson House. 

Self-Guided Tours, 1-2 p.m.

From 1-2 p.m., the house will be open for self-guided tours. Staff members will be stationed throughout the house to answer questions.

Inclement Weather and Contact Information:

The outdoor activities are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Check the historic site's Facebook page for updates.

More information is also available by calling the site office at 573-748-5340 or by visiting the site at 312 Dawson Road in New Madrid.