CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

The Coast Salish are a group of ethnically and linguistically related indigenous people from the Pacific Northwest area. Coast Salish people have lived in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia since time immemorial. This activity teaches about bentwood boxes, a traditional Coast Salish box made from cedar. (Recommended K through 5)

Lesson outline
Bentwood Box template

By analyzing and comparing maps and photographs from the Renton History Museum’s collection and other sources, students will gain a better understanding of Coast Salish daily life through mini lessons. These activities will include information on both life during the time of first contact with White explorers and settlers and current cultural traditions. (Recommended K through 5)

Lesson outline
Photographs & maps

Paper puppets were popular in the past because they used fewer materials than fabric-based rag dolls, or the even more expensive china or porcelain dolls. Paper puppets could be “dressed” with different outfits by coloring the design on a new paper template. Shadow puppets were an easy way to tell stories with shadow illustrations.  (Recommended Pre-K through 5)

Puppet templates

*These puppets are meant to be connected with brads but you can also glue them together, they just won't have movable joints.

“People of the Inside” explores the history of the Duwamish people in Renton, a key aspect of Renton’s history, with a special focus on the Moses family, the most prominent Duwamish family in Renton at the time that White people began to move here in greater numbers.

This activity is designed for readers in 7^th grade and above. Questions can be used for discussion or as writing prompts. 

“People of the Inside” study guide questions

"People of the Inside" article

“Pandemic 1918!” is an article about the experiences of King County residents during the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919. The virus, nicknamed the Spanish Flu, arrived just as the First World War was ending. It is thought to have infected over 500 million people worldwide.

This activity is designed for readers in 7^th grade and above. Questions can be used for discussion or as writing prompts.

"Pandemic 1918" study guide questions

"Pandemic 1918" article

“Renton’s Lady Voters” is an article about women who contributed to civic life in Renton around the time that Washington passed House Bill 59 in 1910, granting women the right to vote.

This activity is designed for readers in 7^th grade and above. Questions can be used for discussion or as writing prompts.

"Renton Lady Voters" study guide questions
"Renton Lady Voters" article