We All Scream For Ice Cream

Ice cream has been a favorite sweet treat of the world for as long as people can remember. And really longer than they can remember because ice cream dates back to the second century B.C. Roman emperors and other historical characters indulged in what would we would refer to today as a “snow cone” made with ice and flavoring, and later, a real version of ice cream hit Italy, England, and France in the 16^th century. Marco Polo brought Italy a recipe similar to sherbet from his travels to eastern nations, Charles I regularly enjoyed his “cream ice” for dessert in England, and Catherine de Medici often indulged in the icy, cool Italian treat even in France while married to King Henry II.

A rich and delicious delicacy, the Europeans were sure to bring their ice cream recipes along when they sailed across the pond to the new land in the 1700s. Famous American founders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson loved the cold dessert and even spent a great deal of money on it as it was an expensive indulgence back then. History records that George Washington spent $200 on ice cream during one especially hot summer. Additionally, Thomas Jefferson left behind his ice cream recipe for everyone to enjoy. It can be found here if you are looking for a fun summer project. Then, several decades later with the invention of the insulated ice houses and other manufacturing revolutions, the American public finally got to experience the delicious taste of cold, sweet ice cream for an affordable price.

From here, the ice cream industry continued to grow, but it took a particular boom during and after the Second World War. Officers in the military would use ice cream to reward and encourage their soldiers. At the conclusion of the war, America celebrated its victory with what seemed like one long ice cream party. Ice cream sales and consumption sky-rocketed across the country, and it became clear that the cool and refreshing treat was here to stay. New flavors were invented and experimented with, and ice cream was now sold everywhere.

Then in 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July to be National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. Yes, there is now a holiday to recognize this special dessert. So Atlantans, rejoice! Because what a better excuse to indulge in your favorite flavor and not feel guilty! And Atlanta has a wonderful selection of homemade, native ice cream companies. Morelli’s and Jake’s are just two of the wonderful places to grab a scoop of your favorite flavor.

So, in honor of National Ice Cream Month and Day, the Children’s Museum will be celebrating by partnering with Blue Bell Ice Cream. On Sunday, July 20, children can come to the Museum, learn how to make ice cream, and then, of course, get to eat it too!  Our Pinterest Page this month will also feature an Ice Cream Board full of fun recipes and things to do with the kids in July. It’s the perfect way to cool off this summer, so bring the kids to celebrate ice cream with Blue Bell and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Are You Smarter Than a Kid Inventor?

According to my research, the answer is no. By simply Google-ing ‘kid inventor’, I have discovered examples of inventions created by children that have completely opened my eyes to the importance of childhood imagination. My Google results have told me that children are innovative and capable of just about anything. At a young age, their minds are open and creative, not yet crushed and suppressed by the practical, adult world. And many people simply forget the brilliancy that lies within a child’s mind.

Just to point out a few mildly important examples in history, Braille was invented by Louis Braille in 1829 at just 15 years old. As a child, he was injured and went blind at the age of three. This inspired him to create a language of letters, numbers, and symbols by using raised bumps. The concept has been applied internationally in almost every language. Another amazing invention, that most of us use daily, was the first television and digital picture. Philo Farnsworth was also only 15 years old when he created the first sketches of a television in 1921. By the time he turned 21, he had created the first digital image on one of his televisions.  And finally, the familiar name in every history textbook, Alexander Graham Bell. Most people know him for inventing the telephone, but little do people know that he was hard at work even as a child. At age 12, he invented a wheat de-husking machine for mills in the food business. These children changed the world in a serious way with their inventions.

But there were other inventions that were also just as impactful, but maybe not so serious. Everyone’s favorite summer treat, and a booming business seen in and around Atlanta, was invented by an 11 year old. The Popsicle was accidentally created by Frank Epperson in 1905 when he left his drink made with fruity Kool-Aid powder and water outside over night with the stirring stick still in the cup. The next morning, he found his drink frozen and still delicious. He began selling them a few years later calling them “epsicles”. Another favorite, and very popular toy, was also a kid invention. The trampoline was invented by George Nissen at 16 to help with his gymnastics and diving skills. Now, it is a toy that everyone enjoys bouncing around on! And lastly, this final fun example applies to kids and adults looking to warm their ears in the bitter cold winters. Chester Greenwood of Maine is famously known for inventing the ear muffs in 1874 at age 15 to protect and warm his ears in the cold Maine winters. His scarf was too bulky and itchy to fit around his head, so he designed the ear muff and had his grandmother sew the creation together. Now thanks to Chester, even those in the south sport the fluffy and warm garment in the winters.

These examples are all major and impactful inventions from American history and created by kids! But, the suggestion to parents is not necessarily to expect a child to create a history-altering invention; the purpose is to encourage kids to utilize their creativity and their innovation. An article on psychologytoday.com writes about the importance of exposing kids to arts as it leads to greater innovation as an adult. The article discusses a study that was conducted at Michigan State University saying that “childhood participation in arts and crafts leads to innovation, patents, and increases the odds of starting a business as an adult.” (The full article is listed here for a great read!). So, put no limits on what kids can create with their imaginations. Allow them to “think outside the box”. The theme of the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s exhibit is just that, ‘Outside the Box’. The space is supplied with as many boxes and creative pieces a child could need to create whatever their mind designs. So are you smarter than your kid inventor? I’m not so sure, but come find out and invent with your kids at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s ‘Outside the Box’.