Living History Farms educates more than visiting schoolchildren.

The museum, located in Des Moines, has long been weaving interactive historical education for Des Moines and surrounding communities. In February, it partnered with Des Moines schools and began offering adult education classes.

This joint effort created an opportunity for adults in the Des Moines area to learn new skills in the evenings or on weekends, when most classes are offered.

Dan Jones, educational coordinator for Living History Farms, said learning shouldn’t stop short at the doors of high schools and colleges.

“[We] believe in lifelong learning,” he said.

When attending the workshops, adults learn skills that would now be considered old-fashioned, he said. To add historical flavor to the workshops, teachers often dress in nostalgic clothing when appropriate.

Eleven classes will be offered next month, which is “Garden Month.”

Local gardening experts and Living History Farms staff members will be presenting classes on planting flower and vegetable gardens, home canning, designing a perennial garden and flower arranging among other subjects.

Four workshops also will be offered in April. The classes include: 19th-century breadbaking, hat trimming, horse-hair jewelry making and Victorian beaded-bag creation.

Janet Davis, a Des Moines resident, has taken several classes at the museum and said instructors have been knowledgeable and helpful.

She took three garden classes last year and said she will probably dig up her notes from last year to use for gardening this spring.

While this joint program is still new, Jones said there are “hundreds of ideas” for more classes.

“The sky’s the limit,” he said.

Upcoming events at Living History Farms include:

• Family St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring traditional Celtic music, crafts and Irish dancers.

• Easter Party on April 3, from 9 a.m. to noon, featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, egg coloring and contests for children.

• Iowa Folk Heritage Weekend on June 12-13, which will allow participants to learn about Iowa’s history through crafts, games, foods and dance.