<div>The past comes alive through craft projects celebrating Minnesota’s history and people. Imagine soldiers on the Civil War battlefield as you assemble a ?housewife” sewing kit like those made by wives and mothers. Re-create the drama of a midwestern tornado when you build an automaton that actually spins, and celebrate the invention of water-skiing with a boat and skier that really glide.</div><div> </div><div> Step-by-step instructions carefully guide you to make your own marionette, but it’s up to you to stage the puppet show. The playful miniature scene of a Day of the Dead nicho offers a way to honor a loved one. A woodland hike will provide the twigs and leaves to make a troll. A walking stick in the tradition of folk artist Maurice Carlton inspires you to create art out of what you can find. </div><div> </div><div> These projects and more generate hours of fun, not to mention useful pieces you’ll want to share with your family and friends.<BR> <br> Wendy Freshman is a program specialist for family audiences at the Minnesota History Center. Kristin Jansson is a freelance prop and prototype designer and a former costumer with the Children’s Theatre Company.</div>