BLM Announces Launch of “The Ghost Town Mysteries” at mine safety event in Denver School

Denver—The Bureau of Land Management urged children to take good care of ghost towns and stay out of nearby mines when visiting the many ghost towns on public lands.

“Ghost towns are fun to visit.  You can take pictures but leave everything as you find it so others can enjoy it too,” said Megg Heath, BLM’s Chief Heritage Education Project Manager during a presentation last week at Gust Elementary School in Denver.  “Be sure to stay out, stay alive, when you see nearby mines.”  Heath told the 4th grade children that they were the first to receive BLM’s new History Mystery #3—“The Ghost Town Mysteries.”

History Mysteries are written for young readers, ages 10 to 13.  This History Mystery, “The Ghost Town Mysteries,” features various BLM-managed ghost towns, such as Rhyolite, Nevada; Garnet, Montana; and Animas Forks, Colorado. The set includes a newspaper with stories and student activities, a set of six colorful trading cards, and a web site on the “Kid’s Page” at www.blm.gov/heritage/.

The goal of the History Mystery series is to foster an appreciation for historic-era resources on public lands by enhancing students’ understanding of history as an exciting but also deeply relevant aspect of their daily lives.

BLM worked with the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration to present the program at Gust and to stress to History Mystery readers that abandoned mines are highly dangerous places and are no place to play.

BLM was pleased to work with the Denver Police Department for this presentation and to have the continued support of the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and McGruff the Crime Dog™ on this issue.  McGruff is featured in the newspaper and on one of the trading cards, espousing a stewardship ethic.

To view more information please visit our website at www.blm.gov/heritage/

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