Teachers

Seminar Schedule

The Summer Seminar Series will be held Tuesday - Friday, August 3-6, 2004. See the Seminars page for more information and to register

View Photos from previous seminars here

Statewide Summer History Institutes for Teachers

The Lure of the West Sponsor: National Heritage Museum. Dates: July 19-23, 2004. Contact: Cynthia Robinson, 781-457-4156 or crobinson@monh.org. This institute, conducted by noted scholars and educators, focuses on three content themes: mapping the west, opening the west, and settling the west. Participants will be able to use the resources of the museum's upcoming exhibition, "The Western Pursuit of the American Dream," to develop lesson plans and classroom activities.

Finding Walden A Summer Seminar for Massachusetts Middle School Teachers. Sponsor: The Walden Woods Project's Thoreau Institute. Dates: July 26-August 6, 2004. Contact: Kent Curtis, education@swalden.org. This interdisciplinary summer seminar provides teams of middle school teachers with the skills to create team-taught, curriculum framework-based, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on exploring, understanding, and taking action in one's home community.

Massachusetts Towns in American History: Using Local Resources to Bring the 17th and 18th Centuries to Life in the he Classroom Sponsor: Bay State Historical League and the Massachusetts Studies Project. Healey Library, University of Massachusetts, Boston. www.msp.umb.edu/summer2004/ Dates: August 2-6, 2004. Contact: 617-287-7654 or email: k12.msp@umb.edu. Using the Colonial through Constitutional Eras as a backdrop, the institute will help teachers develop the skills they need to use the myriad resources available at their local museums, historical societies, and historic sites.

Many of you have used the museum collection online (http://www.americancenturies.mass.edu) throughout the summer while doing your online activity, planning for classroom lessons, or working on your projects. The most recent upload of the web site has included a couple of brand new features you will want to check out!

First is the “Exploring New England Architecture” interactive feature in the “Activities” portion of the web site. As you run your cursor over the pictures of these homes you will be able to read about the classic features of each of these styles of homes. Also, view floor plans and read more about the history of each house.

Second is the “Civil War Newspaper Index” located in the “Search” portion of the web site. This on-line index identifies and briefly describes thousands of articles that appeared in the Greenfield, Massachusetts, Gazette and Courier during the Civil War. At the Memorial Libraries you can read, as well as print, these articles from microfilm.

Web sites worth looking at this week:

new! American President
http://www.americanpresident.org

Out of the many dozens of websites dedicated to portraying the various
persons who have held the highest elected office in the United States,
American President.org may be one of the most thorough and well-rounded in
terms of its content and organization. Originally launched in 2000 as a
companion to a PBS television series on the American presidency, this
current incarnation of the site was created by the Miller Center of Public
Affairs at the University of Virginia. For each president, visitors can read
a biographical sketch, learn about his presidency and its legacy, and find
information about various cabinet members and political appointees. The new
features on this updated site include biographies of each first lady,
listings of presidential staff and advisers, and timelines on significant
events in the lives of each administration. Additionally, the site now
contains an Ask a Question feature, which allows visitors to pose questions
to the site's editors and its research staff.

new! GILDER LEHRMAN HISTORY ONLINE - CLASSROOM-TESTED LESSON PLANS AND HANDOUTS CREATED BY MASTER TEACHERS

http://www.gliah.uh.edu/historyonline/lesson_pl.cfm

This Web site was designed and developed to support the teaching of American History in K-12 schools and colleges and is supported by the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the College of Education at the University of Houston. The Gilder Lehrman Institute hosts summer institutes for teachers, awards research fellowships and book prizes to scholars, and sponsors a center for the study of slavery, resistance, and abolition at Yale. The materials on this Web site include a U.S. history textbook; over 400 annotated documents from the Gilder Lehrman Collection on deposit at the Pierpont Morgan Library, supplemented by primary sources on slavery, Mexican-American and Native-American history, and U.S. political, social, and legal history; succinct essays on the history of film, ethnicity, private life, and technology; multimedia exhibitions; and reference resources that include a searchable database of 1,500 annotated links, classroom handouts and lesson plans, chronologies, glossaries, an audio archive including speeches and book talks by historians, and a visual archive with hundreds of historical maps and images. The site's Ask the HyperHistorian feature allows users to pose questions to professional historians.

new! AN AMERICAN TIME CAPSULE: THREE CENTURIES OF BROADSIDES AND OTHER PRINTED EPHEMERA

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/rbpehtml/pehome.html

The Printed Ephemera collection at the Library of Congress is a rich repository of Americana. In total, the collection comprises 28,000 primary-source items dating from the 17th century to the present and encompasses key events and eras in American history. The first release of the digitized Printed Ephemera Collection presented more than 7,000 items, while this release presents more than 10,000 items. While the broadside format represents the bulk of the collection, there are a significant number of leaflets and some pamphlets. Rich in variety, the collection includes proclamations, advertisements, blank forms, programs, election tickets, catalogs, clippings, timetables, and menus. They capture the everyday activities of ordinary people who participated in the events of nation-building and experienced the growth of the nation from the American Revolution through the Industrial Revolution up to present day. A future final release will include thousands of oversize items in the collection.

new! Liberty and Justice for All

http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/redirect.php?id=298

During and after the Civil War, the United States government recognized that African Americans ought to be guaranteed their freedom and basic rights as human beings. In this activity, students will examine the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 and the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution.

new! Putting The Movement Back Into Civil Rights Teaching

http://www.civilrightsteaching.org/intro.htm

In too many American classrooms, the Civil Rights Movement is taught as an exercise in lauding a handful of saintly heroes. The Movement has the capacity to help students develop a critical analysis of United States history, but the empowering potential is often lost in a pursuit of names and dates. This web site offers interactive and interdisciplinary lessons, readings, artifacts, and interviews, with sections on education, citizenship, culture, economic justice, and reflections on teaching about the Movement.

Web sites previously featured here are now on the Links page of the website Click Here

Do you have a Web site you would like to share here in the newsletter? Please send information, including the name of the web site as well as a brief description of how you find this website useful, to the Teachers' Center, kkappenman@deerfield.history.museum.

new The Captivation of Eunice Williams, World Premiere. July 8-10; 15-17; 23-24 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday July 25 at 2 p.m. Reid Theater, Deerfield Academy. Teacher Discount tickets: $20. General public ticket: $25. Call 774-7476 ext. 10 to purchase your tickets.

new Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18. Teacher admission price: $10 for weekend day, Public admission price: $14. Children 18 and under Free. Teachers need to purchase their ticket at Memorial Hall Museum using Teacher voucher. Full day of activities from 9:30 to 4:30 each day. Please call the Teachers' Center for more details: 774-7476 ext. 28. (all teachers in our programs were mailed a day itinerary and Teacher voucher)

new Quest into Gill Saturday, July 17 This adventure takes families and people of all ages on a quest of discovery through Gill, as part of the Super Summer Saturdays at Slate Memorial Library, Gill Starting at the library lawn, you will receive a guidebook and a map to set you on your way. Along the way, learn about Gill's unique history, its geologic treasures and hidden gems. Information: 413-863-8626.

newNorthfield Historical Society will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the construction of its building, the former Pine STreet School, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 18 with a program on its history and an outdoor lunch. Everyone is invited. Special exhibits on the building's history will be on display. The Kiwanis Club of Northfield will put on a lunchfor a minimal charge.

new Voices From Three Centuries: Teaching the History of Women, Family and Reform through Primary Sources, July 15, 2004, Herter Hall, UMass. Panel discussions to include: "Teaching with Primary Sources: what difference does it make?", and "Integrating Women's History into the K-12 Curriculum." 1-5 p.m. For more information: (413) 577-1234.

new!The Spirit of South Hadley Cruise Boat returns this year with a new name: "The Lady Bea," dedicated in honor of Beatrice Brunelle, one of the founding members of the Brunelle Marina. The 51 passenger cruiser boat offers 75 minute narrated tours scheduled daily at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. along the Connecticut River through October. Educational tours are available for schools on weekday mornings. For information call: 413-315-6342.

Historic Deerfield is participating in Northampton's 350th birthday observances by organizing an exhibition of Northampton Furniture at the Smith College Museum of Art.
Sponsored By: 350th/SC/Historic Deerfield

May 1- Oct. 31 Memorial Hall Museum open for the season.
Museum Hours: 9:30 - 4:30 daily. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for youth & students 6 - 21.

2004 Exhibits: May 1 to October 31

-Introducing a Native American Perspective An updated exhibit with exciting new Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) and Wobanaki (Abenaki) objects and stories.

-Covering Up History: Rethinking Memorials An exhibit that considers the 19^th century interpretations on the marble tablets in memorial Hall and on PVMA monuments throughout Franklin County.

The Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield: "Alexander Calder: An Artist at Play," a whimsical, interactive permanent exhibition that features original toys and mobiles created by artist Alexander Calder in the 1920s and 1930s. Museum hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission and information: 443-7171 ext. 10.

The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Housatonic Street, Lenox; The museum’s staff has prepared a three-paneled exhibit tracing the history of railroad stations in Lenox. Photographs, drawing and narrative text provide information on the first Lenox station, which burned in 1902, and its successor, the present station. Train ride excursions begin and the museum opens Memorial Day weekend. For more information call 637-2210 or visit http://www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org .

Now Open, Connecticut Valley Historical Museum: Treasures of the Valley: Life Along the Connecticut River, 1600-2000" A new permanent exhibit that traces the chronological history of the region from the settlement of Springfield in 1636 to the present. With manuscripts, photographs, furniture and artifacts from the museum collections, the exhibit focuses on the major historical events and socio-economic forces that shaped the region. It provides perspective on how the area evolved from a fur-trading settlement in the 17th century, to an arms manufacturing center during the Revolutionary War, to a hub of industrial and transportation innovation in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibit also discusses the role played by Springfield and the region in the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the expansion of higher education, and the postindustrial economy.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and college students, $3 for youths ages 6 to 17; under age 6, free. For more information, call 263-6800 or visit http://www.quadrangle.org.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art 125 West Bay Rd. : Tues.-Sat., 10-4; Sun., 12-4. $4 adult; $3 senior; $2 youth and students (children under 1 year free); $10 family (up to 2 adult and 4 youths).

FLYNT CENTER OF EARLY NEW ENGLAND LIFE, Beginning Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004 , the Flynt Center will return to daily operation with “Remembering 1704,” exhibition, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Feb. 29, 1704 raid on Deerfield . For further information, call 774-5581.

Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield, MA - currently on display in the lobby - Historic Montague Photo Exhibit.

Hatikvah Holocaust Education Center "Rescue of the Danish Jews from Annihilation." The exhibit consists of 36 posters telling the story of how the Danish people rescued Jews during the Holocaust. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 734-7702. Through summer 2004.

Conway Road , Shelburne Falls : “Made in Shelburne Falls ,” a satellite exhibit of the Greenfield-based Museum of Our Industrial Heritage . Information: 548-9435.

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, 87 Marshall St., North Adams: "Yankee Remix: Artists Take on New England," encompassing domestic artifacts, archival material and houses. In the galleries building 4, through Spring.

Meekins Library, Williamsburg "Photographs of the Mill River Flood of 1874"

Museum of our Industrial Heritage, “The Greenfield Tool Museum ,” located at 77 Petty Plain Road , Greenfield : 10,000 years of tool making in Franklin County . For more information or to arrange a visit call: 665-3633 or 772-2355.

North Adams Local History Museum, in Building 2, of Western Gateway heritage State Park, North Adams: on Permanent display, “North Adams Business and Industry: Early 1900s A walk Through History” an extensive representation of work, photos and products. Free admission, donations welcome. Information: 664-4700.

Porter-Phelps-Huntington Historic House Museum, 130 River Dr., Hadley: This museum contains the possessions of six generations. Open for guided tours through Oct. 15, Saturday through Wednesday. Closed Thursdays and Fridays. For more information, call 584-4699.

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, 14 Depot St., Shelburne Falls. Ride the "Bridge of Flowers Trolley," from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. $2.50 for all-day tickets; $1.25 for youths aged 6 to 11; ages 5 and under, free. Information: 625-9443 or visit www.sftm.org.

new! Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute, 225 South St., Williamstown. Exhibit "Degas Portraits and Self-Portraits," Information: 458-2303. Through July 8.

new!Storrowton Village , Eastern States Exhibition, West Springfield . Throughout the day, members of the Pan African History Museum USA, from Springfield , will present an interpretation of the “Juneteenth” holiday, which is often characterized as the African American community’s “Fourth of July.” 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Information (413) 205-5090.

new! Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke. Wistariahurst is the former home of the Skinner family, manufacturers who made a large fortune producing silks and satins in Holyoke from 1874 to 1961. Docent led tours weave the tale of Holyoke history, the Skinner family and servants who lived at Wistariahurst. Hours through March 31: Wed., Sat., Sun., noon to 4 p.m. Information: 322-5660. The Orchards Golf Course Exhibit The US Women's Open Tournament will be held at The Orchards golf course in South Hadley in June/July 2004. The Wistariahurst Museum is installing an exhibit which tells the story of Joseph Allen Skinner and his daughter Elisabeth, and their life in South Hadley in relation to this golf course. We also explore The Orchards through the eyes of former pro golfers who worked there and members who cherish memories of knowing Elisabeth Skinner and golfing on a Donald Ross designer course. Opens June 27, 4 – 6 p.m.

Presidential Inaugurations1821-2003 currently on view in Archives and Special Collections, Frost Library. Hours: weekdays, 9 a.m. - noon , 1-4 p.m.

NEW! "The Intimate Baroque: small paintings form the John Ritter collection." Many date from the 16th through the 18th centuries. Through August 1. "The Sporting Woman: The Female Athlete in American Culture," a special exhibition about the history of American women in sports. In the Weismann Gallery through August 1. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. weekends; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Information: 538-2245.

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Teachers’ Center Calendar and Local Events

This Week… July 16- July 24, 2004 What's New this week? (to view new items at a glance look for the new! symbol next to the item)

New Features on the American Centuries Web site…

2004 Exhibits: May 1 to October 31

-Introducing a Native American Perspective An updated exhibit with exciting new Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) and Wobanaki (Abenaki) objects and stories.

-Covering Up History: Rethinking Memorials An exhibit that considers the 19^th century interpretations on the marble tablets in memorial Hall and on PVMA monuments throughout Franklin County.

Meekins Library, Williamsburg "Photographs of the Mill River Flood of 1874"