Manitos a la Obra

Manitos a la Obra is APOYOnline’s first intergenerational outreach program for children and their caregivers. The hands-on experience uses STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—to help participants explore, understand, care for, and preserve books, photographs, documents, family objects, and other cultural heritage materials.

Activities include examining materials and supports under microscopes, investigating how light affects paper and photographs, and exploring the effects of humidity, climate change, and water damage. Participants also study insects that can harm organic materials, learn basic monitoring and prevention methods, practice safely removing books from shelves, and explore ways to stabilize fragile books. Children can design simple experiments, observe and record changes, and connect preservation with personal identity, memory, creativity, and community.

When: October 24, 2026

Showtimes: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Presented by: APOYOnline Association For Heritage Preservation Of The Americas, Inc.

Venue: Arcola Elementary School – All Purpose Room

Address: 1820 Franwall Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902

Program: A two-hour, hands-on STEAM learning experience focused on preserving family treasures and cultural heritage materials.

Ages: The program is intended for children and their caregivers; specific age restrictions are not provided.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.