Once again we got the chance to experience the things that the tourist’s wish they could see and experience. We were able to see documents that only very special people get to see and we were lucky enough to have a museum all to our own which was also a great honor. To have the chance to see the documents we saw today is once again a chance to touch history in a special way and appreciate the fact that you have places like these that preserve our history and don’t let it be lost forever and as a teacher I am forever grateful. The one thing I take away from today and how I would use it in my classroom is that I think a talk about museums and the treasures they hold needs to be had with our students. I think they need to understand that Museums keep items that are not digital and nor mass produced, that some of these items are one of a kind and once they are gone they are gone forever and that some it may be the last link we have with some of the most famous people in our history. We as teacher’s need to get our students to appreciate our museums and take a little bit longer when they look at something, read about it and see just how that item may have affected their life in some way or that the person who made, or created, or wrote something may affect their life day after day.
One personal note and I was appreciative of them letting us in to see their collection at the Philosophical Society but at the same time I feel the need to take my hat off to the Boston Historical Society that we visited last year. Thus far the museums we have visited have had some amazing artifacts but the way we have been treated by some of their staff pale in comparison to those fine people up in Boston. In Boston they treated us as professionals, and gave us the respect as a group we deserved, they seemed happy to have us, had materials for us, coffee and treats and they didn’t treat us like “we” were a group of 30 middle schoolers they treated us like adults and professionals and I appreciated that. I do have to take one thing back the Constittion Center here did also treat us well but between the snobiness of the Washington Crossing guides and the male Guide at the “Philosophical Society” I do not feel the folks here in Philadelphia understand just what a big deal it is for us to come out here. Now the people of the town have been very nice and several have given great advice on the best place to eat and directions, except for a few unhappy waiters not waning to do seperate checks. I will get off of my soap box now.
I agree with you, Brian, on how some of these people have treated us. It has definitely been an eye-opener for me as a teacher and how we, as teachers treat our students. If adults can treat other adults disrespectfully, than it makes one wonder how they treat and talk-down to the younger generations. Know wonder kids aren’t interested in history. Information needs to be delivered to them with passion, understanding, HUMOR, and support!