It’s Good to Come Home….

The laundry is done, house cleaned, yard fertilized, dogs bathed, and children fed. In other words, life is back to normal. It is good to be home. 

Arriving home was a daunting task at best. We descended upon the cheerful and clean Philadelphia Airport around 2:00, experienced three hours’ wait on the runway, and finally touched down in Denver around 11:00. I was thrilled to see all three of “my boys” in the lobby. Sunday afternoon some kind of bug struck with a major fever…. thank you airline germs. 

This was another fascinating trip, and I feel so fortunate to have had this experience. I was not selected in the first cut of the trip and had given up hope of a spot from the wait-list. Boy, am I ever glad that this panned out for me. It was great to spend time with friends from last year while forming new friendships.

I keep getting asked what my favorite part of the trip was, and that’s a nearly impossible question to answer. The teacher programs at The Constitution Center and Winterthur were wonderful. The Museum of Art and Franklin Institute were the enjoyable big surprises for me.  The most fulfilling part of this trip was the depth with which we investigated the topics. Anyone can visit the sights that we did, but very few people get to visit an author’s home or hear a lectures from preeminent historians. These are the types of events that ignite teachers’ interests while increasing their knowledge base. 

Because I was lucky enough to take part in the Boston Expedition in 2007 I know how much my teaching improved with the knowledge gained on that trip. Again, I can’t wait to get back to the classroom and share this love of history with my students!

Gettysburg

The final day of the trip was to Gettysburg, PA. Our first stop was to the farmhouse of the 
author of Gettysburg Gospel, Gabor Boritt. He was such an interesting person to listen to as we sat under the lush trees near his peaceful pond. Boritt immigrated to the United States from Hungary when he was sixteen and was told he couldn’t go to college because he didn’t know the language. Yet here he is today – a professor at Gettysburg College and an esteemed author. That really struck the teacher in me. I became a little verklempt as I thought about the power that teachers hold, and our ability to inspire (or destroy) dreams. He also spoke about the origins of his book. I have a huge to be read pile at home, but after meeting Boritt I would like to reread this one before going back to work in August.

Gettysburg is huge! Over the years I had read the footage/mileage but I guess I am too visual (and too unmathematical) for it to have really ever clicked for me. I was absolutely astounded at what an enormous area this three day battle encompassed. We took a driving tour which was very informative but even then I kept getting turned around and confused. I would have liked a bit more time in some of these areas. Also, I had read that Gettysburg was a town at the time of the battle. I was still surprised how the battle really intertwined itself among the buildings – not at all what I had pictured in my mind. Our tour guide stated that 7 million bullets were fired during the battle and that 10,000 died!!! Only one of these was a civilian – a woman cooking bread in her home. There are something like 1,300 memorials on the battlefield if that gives you any idea of the enormity of the area. The NPS is slowly acquiring land that would have been part of the battle, and cutting/replanting large areas so that the vegetation will appear as it did at the time of the battle.

It always surprising to visit an iconic site and see that your mind’s eye had the wrong impression. This destination ignited interest in me – it will be a pleasure to read up on the battle when I get home. 

 

Classroom Application: If I ever graduate from 4th grade to 5th I might get to teach the Civil War. Currently I don’t get to, but hope to share this information with my students anyway.

 

 

Winterthur, Delaware

Today we took a drive to the beautiful grounds of Winterthur Estate in Delaware. It was the 125 room mansion on 2,500 acres of Henry Francis du Pont who was a collector of American material arts pieces. Today the grounds comprise 982 acres full of amazingly gorgeous gardens. We had a lecture this morning on the production and trade of goods in early America (material arts). We took a garden tram tour back to the enormous house for a guided tour of a couple of floors. Du Pont was such a collector that he would purchase the remains of historic buildings that were being torn down, transport them to his estate and have them rebuilt as rooms inside his home. There were many lovely rooms, but my very favorite was the conservatory. When I was a little girl and would dream of the “perfect” house it would always include a conservatory and wood paneled library (blame it on too many games of Clue with my family). We didn’t get to see the old library in their house, but did get to see the modern research library that includes thousands of rare books. We also got to do some really good hands-on activities such as would be done with students visiting the estate. These were really neat activities that could easily be altered to meet the needs of many different levels.

We then stopped in Wilmington for dinner. It was nice to have everyone eat dinner together. This trip has not allowed for much time for camaraderie and this was a nice touch. Gettysburg tomorrow and then home on Saturday. I can’t wait!!!! I miss my family so much.

Classroom Application:

I plan to use the student activities that were presented to us in my classroom next school year.

Speakers and Tours

This morning we had presentations by two esteemed speakers at College Hall here on the campus of Penn. The first was a “lively” speaker who spoke about Benjamin Franklin and his attitudes/behaviors towards slavery. I found it interesting that he pointed out that Franklin was a runaway indentured servant. I knew he ran away, but didn’t know that he was an indentured servant – I just thought he worked for his brother. The basis of Dr. Waldstreicher’s argument was that Franklin is often portrayed as an abolitionist, but this wasn’t always his true belief. In the 1750s the Pennsylvania Gazette (Franklin’s paper) sold between 45 – 50 ads a week for slaves or servants at 5 shillings each. Also, Franklin never actually freed any slaves. Franklin’s ownership of slaves came from mortality or runaways.

Our second speaker was Dr. Bob (never did catch that last name) who spoke about the Great American Slave Rebellion. According to this professor one great myth is that Lincoln freed the slaves, but rather they freed themselves. They ran away, carried out a quiet profit driven rebellion, and join in the army. These ideas were all very new to me, and I was fascinated by them. I also appreciated that he didn’t act condescending that these were new ideas to many of us.

This afternoon was a time for self-guided tours. We saw Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest continually inhabited street in the U.S.) which was just charming. They had a cell phone tour which I thought was really cool. I found a vacation home to buy – I’m sure I can afford it. We ate at City Tavern, saw Christ Church cemetery and another stop at the Betsy Ross’ house.

Classroom Application:

When I discuss the underground railroad and slavery with my kids I will bring up this very interesting topic on the slave rebellion. I also think that the kids would find this additional information on Franklin interesting.

 

 

Artifact Day!

Today we visited the American Philosophical Society which is a scholarly organization of over 900 members who own three buildings. The society was founded by Benjamin Franklin, and holds many of his personal items. They also have a “mammoth” library collection encompassing American history and physical and natural history. Just the lobby area of the building is impressive with priceless pieces encased. The very blurry picture is a letter of support and funding for the Lewis and Clark Expeditions. The society also displays two of the 19 (or so) journals kept by Lewis and Clark. This document is the only known item to be signed by the first four U.S. Presidents – Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison. When we got the coveted “behind-the-scenes” presentation we saw a letter written by G. Washington to Franklin regarding Thomas Paine, and one from Paine to Washington. We also saw the first air-mail letter – one sent to Franklin’s grandson by hot air balloon across the English Channel. We got to go across the street to their museum where they were displaying the works and artifacts of great explorer members of their society. The tour guide here was a hoot (even if not always historically accurate).

The afternoon was spent at the Atwater Kent Museum whose focus is the history of Philadelphia. The docent gave an artifact centered lecture on abolition/anti-slavery history in Philadelphia. One of the really great items we viewed was a child’s dress made of “free” cotton – cotton grown and manufactured without slave labor (I never even knew there was such a movement). Another was an ornate silver bowl which accompanied a slave child to Philadelphia along with a Moses-like story. We saw shackles and John Brown’s rifle. Really cool stuff!

During the evening a group of us finally made it for a gander around Reading Market and then dinner at the Hard Rock (cheesy, yet necessary).

Classroom Application:

The classroom application for today is a little bit harder. It did give me very good background on Benjamin Franklin, which will increase my students’ understanding of the man.

I teach the Underground Railroad in the context of our reading basal, so the information I learned about that today will prove very useful. Again, it will be beneficial to share the photos of the artifacts with the students.

Amish Country

What a wonderful, fabulous day I had today! I was in total culture shock today and loved the learning!

I must admit that before our visit today I had no idea what to expect in Lancaster County, PA. I think the picture in my mind was like a little Disneyized version of an Amish village set apart from all else. And in my mind’s eye I think the people themselves were little “costumed” interpreters. I was oh so wrong! These are thriving, involved community members mixed in among other residents of the county. But, also, as we learned this is a community that is growing in numbers but is having a hard time sustaining itself in the traditional sense due to the cost and scarcity of farm land. This has resulted in most Amish taking on other/additional jobs (such as opening up their homes to tour buses of strangers).

 We took a long, winding drive in the bus to the Pennsylvania countryside. Suddenly we were looking out the windows and there were buggies, women hanging laundry and men and boys working the fields! I got giddy seeing them. We stopped in Intercourse, PA at some shops where we ate lunch. Then we ventured to the Mennonite Visitors Center where we watched two introductory videos that did a great job of dispelling some myths and incorrect generalizations. We picked up our darling elderly little tour guide and she gave us an informative narrated tour. I found the information she gave us very interesting, but was very intrigued by the differences among Mennonite and Amish.

The highlight of the day was going to an Amish family’s home for dinner. These people were scurrying around cooking for 30+ without electricity and were still gracious. They made mounds of delicious food. The real joys, however, were speaking with Ada, having the family sing for us, and talking to the kids after dinner. It was pretty obvious that there are a bunch of moms in the group missing their little ones because we descended upon the kids pretty quickly. The most difficult thing was not taking pictures of the family! What photo-ops….

Classroom Application: This is another day that makes the classroom application too easy for me. In 4th grade we study states and regions. I believe in our antiquated SS text there is a sentence or two about the Amish countryside, and since I had no knowledge or frame of reference I never expanded upon it. Not anymore! I can’t wait to share with the students the cultural differences of this society that is just as much American as is theirs.

We also celebrate Holiday In A Box at our school. 4th grade students choose a country and then do a variety of research and activities centered around the winter holidays for that country. I was lucky enough to sit next to our guide at dinner so I made certain to ask her all about Amish Christmas traditions. I’m now tottering between doing my own project on the Amish to use as a sample of what the kids need to do, or assigning it to one of the kids….

Yet another kind of silly connection, but a connection to curriculum non-the-less. In years past I’ve read the book Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key to my students. I like to read it towards the beginning of the year because it’s about a boy with really, really severe ADHD. It kind of sets the tone that no matter what kind of learner you are in my classroom, you are appreciated and loved. Besides that the kids find it hysterical. Poor Joey is constantly in trouble and he really blows it when the class takes a field trip to an Amish farm. He steals a shoe fly pie, eats the whole thing and then gets so hyped up that jumps off the rafters inside the barn into a big pile of hay. I will never be able to read this book again without the Alleghy’s farm as the setting!

 

 

Philadelphia Museum of Art

 

 

Thank the holy lord above that today was better! We had a late start and then off to the museum. Because of the late start I got to sleep in and do laundry – the whole world looked better because of this. This day was waaaaaaaay better than I had anticipated. Last year in Boston we had one particular guest professor who had an unnatural obsession with chairs. That’s what I was expecting for today, but am very happy to say that I was wrong! We received a guided tour from a museum curator with respect to the American Arts collection. She was very informative without killing us with too many details. She picked out pieces that were relevant, and was more than happy to answer questions about the more obscure pieces. She explained the artistic movements and decorative styles as they related to the social and political atmosphere at the time of creation. Her speaking style and explanations made this really easy to listen to, and extremely informative in relation to decorative arts. I thoroughly enjoyed her and the collection.

Following her presentation we were free to explore the museum at our leisure. I really enjoy impressionist art and was happy to wander through the modern European collection. This is a magnificent museum and if ever in Philly again I will certainly revisit.

Tonight I’ll be out to eat with family that I haven’t seen in waaaay too long – I’m so excited!!!

Classroom Application: I viewed some really great artwork in the American Collection that would be wonderful for interpretation by students in relation to the history we are studying. I appreciate that many of these are available on the museum’s web site since I couldn’t find any of them in the gift shop. I even saw a couple of pieces from our reading basal that appear at the beginning of each weekly story. Now I can really know what I’m talking about with those art pieces.

Ticks, heat and humidity. Yipee-dee…..

It was so hot today. Like Raiders of the Lost Ark face melting scene hot. Like wicked witch shrieking, “I’m melting, I’m melting!” Like Fools Rush In “The white people are melting.” Like grabbing a gun and tempting, “Go ahead. Make my day.” because I’m so crabby from the heat. I hated it. I’m at one with my wimpiness.

Went to Washington’s Crossing. This is the spot where Washington’s troops amazingly crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Eve in 1776. About 2,000 soldiers crossed the river in secret, marched into Trenton, and defeated the Hessian troops there. This was done in spite of the other two divisions that Washington expected not being able to get through. This victory raised morale throughout the Army. Today there are a number of buildings that stood at the time of the crossing as well as a small museum.

Next was Monmouth Battlefield. It was hot. Really, really, really hot. My brain doesn’t comprehend when melting. The thing I remember the most is the guide told us to be careful of ticks because he’s gotten lyme disease there five times. I spent the rest of the “tour” freaking out over ticks and irritated that we didn’t know to bring bug spray. Apparently there was a battle at Monmouth in June. The guide said only 59 died of “exhaustion” (code for brains melting and dripping out your nose). Yeah, right! Big liar – there had to be more than that. I was almost the next casualty, but luckily we got back on the bus.

No pictures today because that would have sent me over the edge.

Classroom application:  I jest because I am a smartalec. But, seriously, seeing these sights really clears up the logistical picture of campaigns for me. At Monmouth I really did still have a hard time picturing exactly where the troop movement occurred because I seriously was having majortrouble comprehending. But the fact that I was on and off of a air-conditioned bus while wearing a cotton tee shirt and shorts (rather than a wool uniform) and still felt so entirely miserable gave me a HUGE appreciation for the troops that fought here in June. That is the kind of experience that translates to the classroom. Rather than telling students, “It was really hot when this battle took place,”  I can explain the severity of the heat and the additional horrendous circumstances that they endured. So, in essence today gave me empathy for both armies as well as a better (if not perfect) visual picture of the troop movements.

Fun Friday with Franklin

There is only one subject that I like as much as history, and that’s science. Today’s visit to the Franklin Institute was the perfect combination of my two favorite subjects.

Today’s historical highlights were the exhibit of the inventions of Benjamin Franklin from a scientific background and the behind-the-scenes presentation. Later in the day we got a very detailed lecture on the “phases of Franklin” (printer, statesmen, scientist). As we sat in the Board Room of the Franklin Institute our group got to see, touch and hold artifacts from Franklin’s life. Among them were pound/shillings notes and a book that he printed, his static electricity tube, a lightening rod he produced, his sterling silver tankard, a sword presented to him by King Louis XVI, his will, a tea set presented to him by a French ”lady friend” and an Italianate plaque that portrayed Franklin in his famous coonskin cap.

Scientifically I saw many really interesting things as well. There was an exhibit on electricity. There was also a wonderful exhibit on the human body that I loved! These are both scientific concepts that I cover in 4th grade, and I kept wishing I could magically transport my students and boys to the museum for a tour. The human body exhibit features a giant walk through heart replica, as well as plasticized hearts from many different animals. That was especially interesting to me because right at the end of the school year my class dissected hearts (which was also a first for me). The planetarium show that we saw was titled “Cosmic Collisions.” Again, something we studied this year. I loved, loved, loved this show!!!

With a free afternoon to ourselves I poked around the museum some more before taking the Splash trolley tour around the city. I think I now finally have my bearings. We made a couple of stops at historical sites we had already visited but wanted to see again. Then on the way to Penn’s Landing got distracted by food. We ate at The Continental which served fusion cuisine and some delicious beverages (see the picture of the light fixtures). I would highly recommend this one to the others in the class. Feel free to invite Donna, Becky and I but don’t mention the prices to Donna (it was a little pricey).

Another really great day……

 

Classroom applications: Well this is a little silly, but I will be sharing lots of photos from the Franklin Institute with the kids. I learned content on Franklin himself, space studies and human body. All of these will surely be introduced to my class.

The Amazing Constitution Center

We had a fabulous day at the National Constitution Center located adjacent to the Liberty Bell and Independence Park. This is a wonderful private facility located on public land which commemorates the creation of the Constitution, but also examines the ways in which this is a fluid, changing document.

The bulk of our morning was spent listening to Professor Carol Berkin lecture about the truly astounding process from which the United States Constitution evolved. This was the second time that I’ve heard her speak, and she is just a joy to listen to. She brings life and vitality to this subject like only the very best teachers can. Honestly, this woman could lecture about paint drying on a wall and I think I would find it enjoyable! Some of the ideas that really stuck with me is that we cannot present the creators of the declaration as superheros. These were wealthy, but ordinarily intelligent men. They were born into the ruling class, but still had the good sense to fear how men react to power. They were introspective enough to fear corruption even in themselves. Furthermore in 1787 when they met to revise the Articles of Confederation they knew that something had to happen because they feared that The United States was about to fail as a country.

Of course we toured this wonderful, wonderful facility. It is loadedwith sites and sounds that emphasis the greatness of our government. The tour begins with a live narrated multimedia presentation in a theater in the round. I was astounded as I was walking out of the theater and asked a small group of teachers if they had goosebumps, and they just gave me a “nah.” I couldn’t believe that it hadn’t effected them the way it had me or the small group of people I was sitting with, because we were all floored by this presentation.

What followed was a lovely walk through Society Hill to South Street for a Jim’s steak. YUM, YUM! Then we had a lot more walking as we explored this lovely city.

Classroom Application: This one is just too easy!! Today was a 4th grade teacher’s dream come true! I begin the year with an introductory civics unit and end the year with a more advanced review. I am really thinking about how I can use the Constitution Center’s civics model and incorporate it with history throughout the whole year. I think this approach could be really useful and enjoyable for the kids.  Ideas are stewing….

Throughout the day we were presented with wonderful classroom materials and ideas by the engaging staff at The Constitution Center. We were also introduced to many online resources from the center and other locations.

 

 

Wet, Wet Wednesday

We traveled to Princeton, New Jersey today in the warm, thick East Coast rain. This area was a lush green and very beautiful. The thick fog and drizzle really added to the atmosphere even if it was uncomfortable during parts of the day.

Our first destination was the 85 acre Princeton Battlefield State Park where Washington won his first on-field battle of the Revolutionary War in January 1777. This was a battle at a time when the American troops were almost “whooped,” and the victory resulted in a morale boost for troops and increased reenlistments. During the course of the battle when General Mercer’s troops were being beaten, Washington is said to have ridden up and said, “Parade with me, my brave fellows. We will have them soon!” Mercer was bayoneted until presumed dead and later taken to the Clarke House where he later died. One of the most interesting tidbits (who knows if it’s really true) is that Alexander Hamilton was happy to fire upon Nassau Hall at Princeton campus during the battle because he had not been admitted to the college.

Then we took a walking tour of the Princeton area. We visited the University with its magnificent architecture. One of the many things I learned today is that Nassau Hall at Princeton served as the meeting place of the Continental Congress met there between June and November of 1783. We walked by the still private residence of Albert Einstein, the battle monument, and the Presbyterian church. We also went past the home of Robert Stockton, the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to ever recount his alligence  when captured by the English (the big sissy!).

On a personal note it was cool to learn who Mercer was because my hubby was born at Mercer County Hospital a reallllllllllllllly long time ago (he,he). Also my father-in-law was raised on Mercer Street by his aunt and grandmother. When he was in the front yard playing ball Albert Einstein used to walk by on his way to Princeton and chat with Arthur. Arthur’s aunt Pauline later became a professor at Princeton – I believe in history. Sadly, my father-in-law is deceased – it would be so cool to talk to him about that again now that I have a mental picture.

 

Classroom application:Today it really struck me how cool it is to stand in a place where Washington actually rallied troops. Again (I’m embarrassed to admit) I didn’t really have much background information on the battle so this was really informative for me. It’s always good to know more than the kids! This will help me if this topic ever comes up.

History Nerds on the Move….

Today we visited what is perhaps the most famous military encampment area in the United States, Valley Forge. This was the location that Washington’s Army spent the winter at in 1777. Washington chose this location because it was close enough to observe the British troops in Philadelphia, but far away enough to prevent a surprise attack. As we learned previously and today the common myth is that soldiers died of starvation and freezing, but that’s not the case. The deaths were due to disease – dysentery, pneumonia, tuberculosis.                              

    After a presentation at the visitor’s center we took a bus tour around the park (because it’s so unbelievably huge). We stopped and visited the Muhlenberg Brigade. These are replicas of the 400 or so wooden huts that the soldiers at Valley Forge built over a 3 mile area. I was shocked at what a huge area this covered, as well as what sturdy “huts” they had built. This was shocking to me because I always pictured crummy little tents in feet-deep snow.

The last site that we stopped at was the Isaac Potts House which Washington rented as his headquarters during the encampment. It was a small, small building that housed George (and for a short time Martha) and his staff.

The highlight of the day was going behind-the-scenes to view some of the museum’s collection. We viewed a number of military pieces (it kind of freaked me out to be so close to a bayonet which had seen “action”). One item which intrigued me was a hand-written note by George Washington.

Classroom application: Valley Forge never meant much to me before, but I can’t wait to tell my kids about it now! My class reads a novel partially set in Valley Forge and I’ve never really been  able to get into it before. But I believe after seeing this sight I will be able to express my newfound enthusiasim for the subject. Also I will have the academic background to assist them in expanding their research and understanding.

 

 

Holy cow, am I ever tired!!!

Today was our first day of touring, and boy was it packed. I woke up at 4:45 (I get way too excited).

We began at Independence Square. As far as I am concerned Independence Hall is THE landmark sight to see regarding Revolutionary America. In this building the Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution were drafted and presented! It was also in this room that George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Washington’s ORIGINAL rising sun chair is still in this room. Another building at the square is Congress Hall, which had previously been the Philadelphia County Courthouse. The thing that I liked about this building was the stark contrast between the furnishings for The House of Representatives and The Senate. The House’s chambers (on the bottom floor) were very basic while the Senate chambers (on the upper floor) were very opulent. We also visited Old City Hall.

Then we took a wonderful walking tour with a zany costumed guide. We went to both the 2nd National Bank, 1st National Bank, the Liberty Bell, Christ Church, and the Quaker Meeting House. The Quaker house really struck something in me, and I found it fascinating. It seems like a very honest, caring religion. Last was the Betsy Ross House. I don’t know if I was just too exhausted by this point, but I was not entirely impressed with it.

I went with Becky and Donna to the Phillies game via the Subway. We only got a little bit lost, and haven’t been mugged yet so I guess we’re doing fine! The Citizen Bank Park is very new and nice, and the Phillies won 5-4. It was a great end to our first fun-filled day!

 

Classroom application:

We learned some amazing information that will benefit me in the classroom. Just the pictures alone of this building and room will help me to bring the enormity of this location to me students. I was also thinking how fun it would be to photoshop the kids into pictures of the room, as well as “the painting” of the convention.

 

Some musings on grant classes

As I sat in the colloquium this weekend I began to think what an amazing amount of knowledge I’ve gained over the last couple of years while participating in the grant classes. When I began taking these classes I knew relatively little about early American History. Boy, has that ever changed!

I know that the goal of the federal program is to increase students’ historical knowledge. I believe this will happen with my students. In addition to the obvious benefit to my students is the personal fulfillment gained through this new knowledge.