Living the American Revolution

A beautiful, mild, fall day met teachers as they gathered at Boston's Old State House on Thursday, October 19th. As part of our Teaching American History Grant these teachers are conducting research at many local national parks and historic sites to create a classroom lesson in American History. Susan Goganian, educational director, gave a tour of the building and the Museum's artifacts. We learned that the Bostonian Society is responsible for the building's ongoing existence as they work to champion preservation efforts. Highlights from the visit included climbing the spiral staircase to the cupola, seeing the Boston Massacre cobblestone marker, and learning about the Society's vast collection of documents. The large 19th century Boston fire map books depicting the flammability of each building by neighborhood captivated many teachers.

The journey moved by afternoon to the Old South Meeting house where we had a rousing debate between the Loyalists and the Patriots each taking turns standing in character to address the meeting. The activity successfully modeled the meeting on the night of December 16, 1773 that preceded the Boston Tea Party. We learned the Old South Meeting House was filled with close to 5,000 colonists on that historic eve. The program transitioned to learning about the lives of meeting house members with special emphasis on Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet. Teachers were presented several activities that are used to help students identify with her life and her work as a poet.