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In honor of Patriot's Day, I am choosing to post Moffat's visit to Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts. Happy National Parks Week Day Two. My daughter and I were in Boston several years ago to cheer my college roommate on as she ran the Boston Marathon. As a traveler who wants to see and experience it all, we took the train up to Concord one afternoon to visit Minute Man National Historical Park. For as much as I wanted to visit during all the weekend activities, we were unable to but were able to visit on Monday. Due to the tight train schedule, my daughter and I took turns jogging to cross the bridge to make it to the visitors center before it closed. I felt like we were doing our own miniature amazing race. We were able to make it to the visitor's center where my daughter was able to turn in her junior ranger packet and receive her badge. We were able to take a slightly more leisurely pace as we walked back into town to catch the train. I still would have like more time. What struck me as we walked back was that we were walking in a space that the start for the fight for our country's freedom began. It was a little overwhelming to think about. Along the way, the flowers that were beginning to bloom were a reminder of a new start.
I thought it would be fitting to start off National Park week with photos from the National Mall and Memorials in Washington DC. These two photos were taken at the Jefferson Memorial. The photo above is taken from the steps looking north across Tidal Basin towards the Washington Monument. As always, I enjoy meeting the rangers that are on duty during our visit. They are always very helpful and informative. One of my treats for my classroom is the Junior Ranger Badge. I have no memory of going to a National Park as a child. Now, it is something I treasure. The NPS's Junior Ranger program is an engaging way to encourage learning during an adventure. Please take the time to expose your young children to the amazingly rich sites our country has to offer!
For as much as I would like to admit that I have been to all the amazing places that I have Moffat photos for, I cannot. Over the years, my friends and family have helped me gather my photos for my crazy obsession. Moffat has been to Alaska three times and has been to Christmas in NYC on numerous occasions. I have not done either. Many people comment that they wish they were Moffat. I whole heartedly agree!
I was honored to again be a guest teacher at a local school and share my love of Theodore Roosevelt with two third grade classrooms. I am still finessing the lessons, but with any teaching, each time improves. TR is the president of study for the district's third grade students. As he is my favorite (the more I learn, the more I want to learn), I have a grand time sharing my collection of period artifacts including a stereoscope, period purse and collar box, a camera and other fun treasures.
As we were wrapping up, one of the students came up to me and announced that the afternoon was "better than field day!" I think that was a great way to end the day. Wish I could spend more time teaching kids history all day long! It is fitting that the two Moffat photographs I have chosen were both taken in Virginia, after all, it it known as the "Mother of Presidents." During my visit there in 2013 to attend an NCHE conference, I was reminded of so many of the pivotal events in our nation's history that have happened in the state of Virginia. It is amazing to think that events from early colonization to the American Revolution to the Civil War all took place in this state. Aside from the historical events that have taken place in Virginia, can you name the eight presidents that were born in Virginia? All eight of the presidents are represented in the rotunda in the Virginia State Capitol. George Washington was of course the first and has the center display. Hint: The other presidents are the 3rd, the 4th, the 5th, the 9th, the 10th, the 12th and the 28th presidents. Watch the Youtube video below to see if you can name them. |
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