About

Welcome to Hands-on History! We are thrilled to have you join us on a journey through time. At Hands-on History, our mission is to ignite a passion for learning and preserving history through high-quality, historically accurate reproduction items. Whether you're a history teacher, a homeschool parent, or a dedicated history enthusiast, our 'museum in a box' style products are designed to bring history to life and foster a deeper understanding of the past.

Our Story

The story of Hands-on History began with a love for storytelling and a deep fascination with history. My name is Shelby Anderson, and I'm the owner, founder, and educator behind the products you see on our website. Growing up, my mother would read historical fiction books aloud at the dinner table, transporting my younger brother and me to different eras like the Gold Rush and the Great Depression. These immersive experiences sparked my lifelong passion for history and storytelling, ultimately leading me to pursue a career as a history teacher. My mother infused our homeschool lessons with hands-on creativity, from crafting Ancient Egyptian papier-mâché funerary masks to building three-dimensional presentations of California Missions. This unique and tactile educational experience nurtured my curiosity and confidence, inspiring me create similar experiences for the students in my own classroom.

Our Evolution and Aha! Moment

Hands-on History has evolved into a trusted resource for educators and history lovers alike. Our "aha!" moment came when we realized the power of tactile learning—how engaging, hands-on experiences could transform a history lesson from a distant narrative into a tangible, memorable experience. Our WWII: European Theater Kit exemplifies this approach, offering 25 meticulously researched and reproduced artifacts that allow you to experience life as a soldier during World War II in Europe. From hygiene items and food labels to morale boosters and uniform tools, each piece in the kit is designed to engage and educate.

Our Audience

We serve a diverse audience passionate about history, including K-12 history teachers, homeschool parents, museums, and history buffs of all ages. Our kits are curated to align with U.S. History K-12 teaching standards, providing a tangible and exciting supplement to the historical eras educators already teach. We believe that by bringing history to life, we can inspire curiosity and critical thinking in students and enthusiasts alike.

Our Values

At Hands-on History, we are committed to preserving historical accuracy and quality. We source our materials with the utmost respect for authenticity and ensure that every artifact is thoroughly researched. We are also dedicated to creativity and storytelling, seeking to spark nostalgia and curiosity through our designs.

 

Thank you for visiting Hands-on History. We hope our products inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity, connecting you to the stories of the past in meaningful ways. If you have any questions or want to share your own nostalgic moments, please reach out to us. Let's make history together! 

Shelby Anderson  Owner/Founder	Max Harsha Graphic Design/Research
Shelby is a History Teacher in Southern California, where she teaches U.S. History and AP Human Geography. Shelby regularly uses historical and reproduction artifacts in her classroom as a teaching tool and loves sharing resources with other teachers.	Max is a pilot in Southern California and historical Reenactor focusing on Naval Aviation. Max has a background in graphic design and is passionate about sharing historical knowledge with the public and sparking inspiration in students.