This morning we met at 7:30 to begin our tour of one of the most historical areas in our nation’s history. The weather was perfect as we walked several blocks to our first experience on the subways. The attendant told us we couldn’t purchase tokens at this particular station and that was the only acceptable way to pay. The rides are $1.45 each way and somehow by each of us paying $2.00 in cash, we were allowed to board; thirty-three times two apparently equals exceptions to the rule. We are most obviously tourists, as we were all smiling ang laughing and enjoying the experience while the typical commuter is solemn and often aborbed in solitary activiites. Subways are amazingly fast, and in a few minutes we emerged from underground and continued on our way to the Independence Mall.

 

Independence Hall is the original Pennsylvania State House. Under construction from 1732 to 1753, it was the largest building in the colonies and today, 80% of the building is the original building. The Supreme Court had one feature that was very interesting: a small raised platform where a defendant would have to stand for the duration of the trial in full view of the judge and jury. It resembled a small jail cell as the defendant was surrounded by iron sides about 3-4 feet tall, and it was eventually removed because it seemed to give the prosecution an unfair advantage; innocent until proven guilty? I think not. Trials were usually open to the public and often served as a form of entertainment; colonists’ version of today’s TV reality shows.

 

 

Though Boston and Massachusetts are famous for the earliest confrontations with the British, Pennsylvania is where more signers lived and Philadelphia where “the most historical room in this country” is located. This quote is from one of the park rangers at Independence National Historical Park. In this one room, the Declaration of Independence was signed declaring our separation from England, and the United States Constitution was written and approved eleven years later, establishing the law of the land. This room is sacred in my eyes and I felt great respect and reverence for the men who influenced the beginnings of our country as I stood in this rather modest room and pictured what I know of that occurred in this room. I was moved to the point of a few tears and proud of it.

 

A large group of teenage students also toured the park while we were there, and from some of their faces it was easy to see some were not at all interested. I know I was a  young adult before I began to appreciate history, and I believe that the more teachers are fortunate enough to experience these sites firsthand, the more impact we will have in exciting some of our students about this “great experiment.” Taking freedom for granted is all too easy, and these intriguing stories are one way to reach the future citizens.

 

We saw and learned so much today, but the things I never want to forget include:

 

• the “Rising Sun” chair where Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock once sat
• the colonial representatives were seated left to right, north to south, respectively
• 56 men had to argue “word for word” and agree on the Declaration of Independence, and they did this in only three weeks (hard to imagine that ever happening today)
• the difference between the décor in the first floor House and the second floor Senate
• “putting your best forward,” when “your ship comes in,” and the origin of the nosegay
• Ben in a toga
• Christ Church which has held continuous services since 1695 and where many of the founders worshipped
• Lauren’s recollection of the site of Ben Franklin’s home (thankfully, identical to mine)
• History is debate, negotiation, and argument (Matt Harris)
• Varied ways of bricklaying
• Pat Stallone, our outstanding guide
• Pennsylvania, the Keystone state (importance in architecture)
• Geographic location of Pennsylvania (6 colonies to the north, 6 to the south)
• Quakers (Society of Friends and SPICE: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality) Never tip hat except when sharing at meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are most definitely in the heart of a very busy city. Our flight was pleasant and things worked out well as we all seemed to have learned from last year. Our dorm has twenty-four floors and looks out over the city lights. I don’t know if there is a building this tall within fifty miles of where we come from! The activity around here is continuous and just about anything you can imagine is probably within walking distance. Tomorrow it’s off to Independence Hall and the Reading Market. I know I’m ahead of the game this year as I managed to change to my banner and am actually going to be able to publish (crossing my fingers) on my first atttempt. Ok, it took two to make it visible to you all.

The Massachusetts Historical Society is a resource beyond anything I ever knew existed! It is perplexing to realize the position they are in: on one hand they are there to offer a service to the public, and on the other, they also are responsible for protecting and preserving these irreplaceable objects from our country’s origin. As many value these objects merely for their monetary value, the question of access becomes more of an issue.

Pauline Maier was an engaging speaker, and continued to clarify the Declaration of Independence and its evolution. She discussed the drafting and editing process and stressed that the document was not authored by Thomas Jefferson, but was a collaboration of the entire Congress. Though many of Jefferson’s ideas are included, the entire Congress edited it to become more focused and less wordy.

 

Maier believes the Declaration of Independence is a living document. Originally it was a document that’s purpose was to declare a revolution which was an event of worldwide interest. Maier pointed out that even though the Constitution is actually the foundation for our system of government, the Declaration is more of living document in many Americans eyes.

 

Lincoln referred to the Declaration of Independence when he talked about the basic equality deserved by all men. By doing this, he set a precedent that would be used by future leaders to promote the rights of varied groups.

Last Day – Lowell, Massachusetts

Our last day found us at Lowell, Massachusetts, where the Industrial Revolution began in America. This site was chosen because of the potential hydro-mechanical power from the Merrimac River. The river was diverted by a canal system that powered the textile mills, and the city was the first in the country to be designed as an industrial city. The textile mills operated from the 1820s through the 1970s.

Originally the vast majority of workers were young women between the ages of fifteen and thirty that came in from the surrounding farms. To them, these were exciting times and this was a great opportunity. They lived in company-provided housing and ate their meals there, too. They worked twelve to fifteen hours per day, Monday through Friday, and eight hours on Saturday. Having Sunday off was a novel idea, because there was no such thing as a day off on the farm.

Once again I was reminded that we cannot evaluate their circumstances through the lens of our contemporary thinking. While we look at their working and living conditions as appalling, in their eyes this was a great chance to earn money for the first time in their lives.

 On Sundays the mill girls were required to attend church services for four hours. They tolerated no misbehavior at the boarding houses, so families would allow their daughters to come and work at the mills.

We were taken into a room where there were only six looms were operating, and the sound was deafening! They usually had over 200 looms operating at any given time,so we were only exposed to a tiny fraction of the noise level.

I wonder about the individual girl’s lives and what their circumstances were. Did they have a social life? Did they have access to any schooling? What did they do in their spare time? I know some worked to add to their dowries, so I’m curious about how they would meet their future husbands.

The boat ride on the canals was very interesting as I had never seen a lock from so long ago. Standing on the high ground and being able to see the obvious differences in elevation will make it much more meaningful for my students as I will be so much better at explaining.

When we got back on the bus to return home, our driver, Tim Jackson, told us how much he had enjoyed us and the feeling is mutual. He has just been awesome – helpful, funny, tour guide, and savior. He just read us his original “The Top Ten Ways to Spot a Pueblo, Colorado, School Teacher.” #1 was they think “blogging is a dance they do in some part of Pennsylvania!” 

Well, this is it. Thanks to all of you who were here and made this an unforgettable and meaningful experience. We are one special group! This went way beyond any of my expectations. It’s easy to get excited about teaching a subject when you’ve actually been there. There are many fortunate students in our area that will benefit from our trip, and hopefully, colleagues as well. I’ll never forget this and I hope I am fortunate enough to go to Philadelphia with many of you again. A special thank you to Matt, Scott, and Jonathan for all of your planning, coordinating, knowledge and leadership. Thanks for all the technological help, Bryan and Delphine. Kelli and Sherri, we need to get some ideas going for the whole school. Thanks for your friendship and who you are as professionals.

And here’s to my marvelous roommates- Delphine, Donna, and Lauren. You all were so easy to get along with. Thanks for all the laughs, too!

Here’s to a safe, uneventful journey back to colorful Colorado.

Connie Prewitt

Our first stop was the Hancock-Clarke House where John Hancock and Sam Adams stayed after they left Boston. It was interesting that John Hancock’s anscestors included ministers. He went to live with an aunt and uncle when he was seven in Boston. They were quite wealthy and had no children so he received an outstanding education and inherited their family fortune from the family business, Hancock House, which made him the wealthiest man in Boston. This house contained many authentic artifacts including a beautiful silk embroidered vest that was John Hancock’s. Apparently he had a true appreciation of the finer things in life and would have ben considered a “dandy.” More trivia…we were shown a trunk that was literally a hinged, hollowed-out tree trunk, hence,the name.

Buckman Tavern sits on the edge of the commons area of Lexington. I was interested to learn that the tavern was the most important building in a colonial village. Our guide told us that it was necessary for the establishment’s sign to be quite visible so that any traveler could find it right away. Even tavern owners were also farmers. Besides providing meals and beds for travelers, drovers would also stay there with the animals they were driving to market in Boston. There were assorted pens and outbuildings that could accomodate the sheep or cows while the drovers rested and ate.

The tavern was also the center for local gossip and politics. Men would meet and discuss the latest news about the Redcoats and their activities. The tavern owner would post announcements and taverns also served as informal post offices. There was a separate parlor for the ladies who also were politically active in their own ways. In protest of Britain’s treatment of the colonies, British goods were boycotted. This meant the women went back to making their own cloth instead of purchasing it ready-made. Sometimes on Sundays, the ladies might all bring their spinning wheels to the Buckman’s and spend the afternoon together. The tavern was also a place for people to go during the break inbetween church services. Everyone was expected to attend church on Sundays and those that lived out in the country would eat at the tavern. In the winter the people would replenish their footwarmers with hot coals for the afternoon service.

On April 19,1775, the men in Buckman’s Tavern were aware that the Redcoats were marching toward their village. They knew what a lot of what the British soldiers didn’t know- the goal was to arrest John Hancock and Sam Adams (the King thought this would put an end to the unrest) and to confiscate and/or destroy the arsenals hidden in, and around, Concord. The total population of Lexington was only 600 at the time, and it is difficult to imagine how frightened they must have been.

We stopped at Munroe Tavern in Lexington, and this was the highlight of the day for me. I actually got to touch a chair in which George Washington sat! Washington had eaten a meal there in 1789 when he toured the area to see where the first blood was shed in th Revolution. The tavern owner’s daughters knew this was an historic moment and even set aside the dishes and utensils Washington used so they would not be mixed in with the others.

On to Concord and what is now the Minuteman Historic National Park. We witnessed a musket firing demonstration by a Redcoat that was memorable at Hartwell Tavern. Loading a musket was not easy as there were several steps before they could fire. Then our guide took us along the route to Bloody Angle while reading eyewitness accounts of the battle. It was quite moving. He reminded us of Mary Hartwell’s comment when she saw the Regulars marching along the Old Bay Road in front of her house/tavern that “if not for their purpose, it was the most handsome sight I ever saw.”

Our last stop was the North Bridge at Concord where the Redcoats had taken control. The Minutemen moved out and fired upon them. As our guide said, “Lexington was a tragedy, Concord was treason.”

Seeing these sites cannot even come close to what you read in a book. All of these scenes were relayed in Paul Revere’s Ride, but they have truly come alive now that I have actually been there!

Last stop was Haavaad…another blast from the past….reminded me of Hollywood Blvd. in the 60’s and 70’s.

We did a bit of walking today along the Freedom Trail. First was Paul Rever’s house which is one of the oldest standing buildings in the area. An exercise from primary documents of his revealed that he was a family man, religious, organized, and an entrepenuer. When his silversmithing business suffered after the war started, he began some work in dentistry. He would polish teeth, make artificial teeth, and all in the comfort of your own home. Revere was also paid for his messenger services and his most famous ride was actually one of the shortest ones in his career.

The Old North Church was a special place to visit. I find it hard to accept that the more wealthy people rented/owned the private boxed-in pews, and that social status was evident while attending church. I don’t understand the thinking about that yet. I understand the geography of the area around Boston better now, so things are more real in my mind. I truly can’t believe that I am here, and getting all of these opportunities to visit sites where our nation all began.

We had a wonderful lunch in an Italian restaurant in the old North End. They actually cooked everything in a real brick oven. Our visit to Bunker Hill was the best and the worst. Another “who you know” got us into the new Bunker Hill Museum that doesn’t officially open until tomorrow. It was even on the front page of the newspaper today. One part I enjoyed the most was the diorama of the battle site, painstakingly put together to show the entire scene to scale. Only downside, the park ranger was a bit long-winded and lost the attention of most of us as he lectured for nearly an hour straight.

The U.S.S. Constitution was an unexpected surprise! She was added to our tour at the last minute and, is still seaworthy after 300+ years. I bought a book to learn more about her history.

I am as tired as I have ever been, so hope to make to bed early for once. Hope the Red Sox game  was fantstic for those of you who went.

Today was spectacular!  We started at the Old State House.  Fortunately this building has been spared as it was the site of the Boston Massacre and the reading of the Declaration of Independence to the people of Boston from its upstairs balcony. Our morning began with a lecture on the Boston Massacre by Dr. Allison. He was quite interesting and set the stage for what would ultimately result in a huge propaganda opportunity for the Patriots.

 

Tension had been building in Boston for quite awhile and the citizens were not even trying to conceal their hatred of the Redcoats. They had been taunting and insulting them and had resorted to violence on several occasions.

                                           

We know from our time at MHS yesterday that the sketch of where the Redcoats actually were relative to the citizens, was grossly misrepresented by Paul Revere’s famous print of the Boston Massacre. His version shows a quarter moon outlined in the upper left-hand corner, but it is not obvious at first glance. The impression is that this tragedy happened in broad daylight, when it was actually quite dark. And the Redcoats did not aim and shoot at point blank range.

 

We had a great time reenacting the trial of the eight British soldiers’ trial. Everyone had a part, and we did a pretty good job and LAUGHED A LOT! We have some very dramatic teachers amongst us!

 

Our next stop on the Freedom Trail was the Old South Meeting House. It served as both a church and site of public meetings. Again we reenacted an historic meeting of December 16, 1763, where Loyalists and Patriots passionately pleaded their cases regarding the Crown’s  tea tax. We hammed it up some more and learned quickly how to YELL – “HUZZAH!” when we agreed with the speaker and, “FIE!” when we did not. The meeting ended (then and now) with Sam Adams saying, “Gentlemen, this meeting can do no more to save the country.” This was not a realization of defeat, but a signal. Almost a hundred men disguised as Indians led a mob to Griffin’s Wharf and the Boston Party was on!

 

We are most definitely on the “who you know” track. We have had so many awesome opportunities to visit an array of historical sites and get  V.I.P. treatment everywhere. And today “The Colorado Teachers” were the only group allowed access to Faneuil Hall which is closed to the public due to renovations. What a treat. The building is massive and has hosted Patriots, suffragettes, and Martin Luther King. What a privilege!

 

The interactive activities we did today were taken from primary source documents and left a lasting impression. If we retain more by actively participating, it’s only logical that our students will do the same. Revise those lesson plans, fellow teachers! Involve the students, and THEY WILL LEARN TO LOVE TO LEARN! HUZZAH!!!!

P.S. Finally found cod on a menu after a week-and-a-half. It was wonderful, though not as memorable as that steamed lobster in Freeport. Thank goodness!

I think a lot of us appreciated the opportunity to sleep in a bit this morning. As we drove through downtown Boston, our bus driver, Tim, acted as tour guide and pointed out the old State House which was the site of the Boston Massacre and the reading of the Declaration of Independence and various hotels and other landmarks. He is a wonderful addition and seems to enjoy our group as much as we like him.

The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) is housed in a beautiful old building. We walked up the beautiful marble curved staircase and you could just feel the atmosphere of importance and reverence. MHS is the oldest historical society in the country and has vast collections of primary source documents and artifacts because they were they first organization that set out to preserve our nation’s history. I felt so privileged to able to see the potraits of people I’ve only read about….John and Abagail Adams, Daniel Webster, John Hancock, and a much older Paul Revere. The huge painting of Paul Revere’s ride was just so amazing! I cannot believe what an opportunity this has been and I am truly grateful to be here. Every day has been a new adventure.

The morning lecture by Professor Fowler was very enlightening. I only have known the French and Indian War by name up until now. He clarified so many things for us, that now it is making much more sense. As he continued to tell the story of the English and French rivlary that reaches back to the eleventh century, I saw how their previous history led up to their conflicts on this continent, and eventually to the Revolutionary War. I believe it was in Paul Revere’s Ride that Fischer said that all of history depends on decisions made at any given point and how that sets other events into motion. The story of the British conquering Quebec was a prime example; if the French had just waited, the onset of winter could have changed the outcome.

After lunch, Sherri, Kelli, and I walked over to the gardens alongside the bridge. They were gorgeous and I took a lot of pictures. Right in the middle of downtown, with highrises in the background, is this beautiful group of gardens each with its own design reflecting teir owners. One man was working at the time, and was kind enough to let us walk through his (the majority were locked). He told us he had six different plots that he worked. New England is so beautiful. It is such a contrast to Pueblo West. I cannot get over how lush and green everything is!

The exercise in the afternoon with primary documents was fun as we worked in groups to analyze them. We had a letter and a broadside about the Stamp Master, Andrew Oliver. Looking at the person’s intent that created the primary source is a powerful tool for understanding their thinking at the time. I hope to utilize the MHS website in my classroom in the fall, as I am supposed to have a couple of computers in my class for student use. Kids love computers so I know this will be fun and meaningful for them, too.

Kelli, Sherri, and I had dinner at a great Irish pub, walked through the Botanical Park and then over to Cheers to get a couple of souvenirs. Back on the bus, blogging, and now bed. Batteries are dead in the camera, so pictures will have to wait.

Friday – June 8, 2007

The day began bright and early with a 3+ hour bus ride to Pemaquid, Maine. This is a state historical site located on a peninsula. The first archaeological dig began in the 1960’s. The settlement’s origins go back to the 1600’s when trappers and fishermen from several countries came to take advantage of the region’s rich resources. The cod caught back then are now extinct, but were five feet long and weighed around 100 pounds.

When ships came from the northern Atlantic, Pemaquid  was their first stop before heading south to Boston. As a result goods from all over the world passed through here – some for sale or trade, others inadvertently arrived from unexpected sources. When the foundation of the tavern was uncovered, part of a lid from a snuff tin was discovered that was from West Africa! This was probably because of the slave trade in the Carribbean. Amazingly this was Tad’s honeymoon site as he was part of the dig!

The view from the restored fort was breathtaking and seemed so calm. The winters here would be brutal, but the fishing was quite plentiful and financially rewarding. This area is more like the coastline would have been long ago, before high-rise hotels and condos lined the shores.

Deerfield, Massachusetts is an idyllic town today that is home to several private schools..never heard a mention of any lowly public schools. Well-manicured lawns and gardens and beautifully maintained SPACIOUS homes line quiet streets. It appears to be the perfect all-American town and available to anyone with big bucks. 

Deerfield is the original site of the native village of Pocumtuck and its early years were marked by various attacks on the natives and then the new settlers. Deerfield was at the very edge of the western frontier during the late 1600’s and early 1700’s. We learned that it was the custom of some Native American tribes to “replace” family members of theirs that had died with someone of a similar age to fill the gap left in their families. Often they would take captives during raids and keep them for that purpose.

Deerfield was the scene of a raid by the French and Indians in 1704. Forty-nine settlers were killed and 112 captured and marched to Canada. Families would petition the government for the safe return of their loved ones and often succeeded. However, some chose not to return. Since the Puritan way of life was so constricting, once some captives experienced life outside of their own religion, the freedom was too tempting and they would never return. One young girl who was taken captive befriended a Catholic priest and converted to Catholicism. There was no greater betrayal than for a Puritan to become Catholic! She was given many opportunities including an excellent education that would not have been available within her own religion. Though her parents were granted her release, she refused to return and ultimately founded the order of the Ursiline Nuns.