For many students, learning about history is isolated to the classroom, especially over summer vacation. However, sophomore Martha Slaven spent her summer volunteering as part of the staff at Gibbs Farm. Gibbs Farm is a part of the Ramsey County Historical Society and seeks to educate children and adults about the lives of pioneer and Dakota people.

“I went to a summer camp there when I was younger and loved it, and then a couple of years later I went back for an opportunity they have for teenagers as a part of an internship program. [Gibbs Farm] is something I’m really interested in and enthusiastic about,” Slaven said.

The farm is no longer functioning, but it was once owned by a mixed pioneer and Dakota family. The house is still open for tours and educational purposes, along with summer camps.

“One of the main goals of these camps is to teach kids about pioneer life and Dakota life and the interactions between them. However, the activities are geared towards kids so they don’t really get into the violence,” Slaven said.

Slaven also found the opportunity to volunteer at Gibbs Farm beneficial because she was able to get more experience working with children.

“We did a lot of crafts, and taught the kids how the pioneer and Dakota people made everything themselves and had to farm to get their own food,” Slaven said.

Slaven also commented on the abundant variety of service opportunities open to all people.

“I think that it is really important that people do service, specifically in whatever area they’re interested in. I’m really interested in history, so a summer of history and kids and crafts was perfect for me,” Slaven said.

Slaven also mentioned how important it is that places like Gibbs Farm seek to teach kids and adults about history: “I think [the activities and educational opportunities] at Gibbs Farm really open kids up to a bunch of different perspectives and especially about the history of Dakota people. It’s not really something that’s talked about in school at that age level, so I think it definitely changes how [kids] think about that time period.”

For more information on volunteering at Gibbs Farm, visit its job and volunteer opportunities site, and for more information on events happening at Gibbs farm visit its main site.