How does where you come from enrich your writing? Find out when you join award-winning author Stephanie Hemphill of Chicago for Young Writers’ Workshop.
Throughout the week, students will participate in icebreaker activities, explore the museum's collection vault and exhibits, engage in daily writing exercises, learn historical research and inclusive storytelling tips, verbally share writing, give and receive feedback, as well as write, edit, rewrite and present their final historical fiction story. Students will discover the story behind an artifact in the Iowa History 101 exhibition and weave the object and its story into a historical fiction short story. The week is capped off by the students giving a public performance of the stories and celebrating during a reception with family and friends. While most of the week will be spent in the classroom, a few out of the classroom excursions are planned.
June 14-18, 2021
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
State Historical Museum of Iowa, Des Moines
Grades 7-12 (must have completed 6th grade or be 12 years old or older)
Limited to 12 participants
Bring a laptop or tablet (accommodations can be made)
$150 per person (scholarships may be available)
There is a $50 non-refundable processing fee for the Young Writers’ Workshop (included in $150 workshop fee). Cancellations must be received in writing to museum.education@iowa.gov by June 7 to receive a refund of $100. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received after the deadline.
2021 Registration Closed
The State Historical Museum is monitoring the COVID situation. Below are precautions that will be carried out for all summer workshops and camps.
- Mask wearing is optional for students enrolled in the summer camps. However, all adult staff will wear masks while indoors.
- A classroom will be used that is adjacent to outdoor space so that breaks and lunch can occur outdoors, weather permitting.
- The classroom is also near restrooms and frequent handwashing will be recommended. Sanitizer for hands and objects will be available in the classroom.
- In the classroom, students will have their own tables and supplies. Tables will be positioned so that there is space between the participants.
