Children and their families can spend time this week learning how Lawrence defended itself in the 1850s during the “Bleeding Kansas” era.

They will make models of forts from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. today at Union Pacific Depot, 402 N. Second St. On Tuesday, 12 teams of children and adults will construct two mud forts along the Kansas River north of Constant Park. The forts will be built from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.