Memorial Hall Museum Traveling History Kit descriptions and Loan Policy  

Kit descriptions:

Captivated: Looking at the 1704 raid on Deerfield through the Eyes of Children  

This traveling history kit introduces students and teachers to the 1704 Raid on Deerfield , Massachusetts through the eyes of two children captured during the raid and taken to Canada .  The activities in this kit are designed to foster exploration and discussion and help students in grades 3-12 explore this critical event from different angles. Students will gain knowledge about the 1704 English, French and Native American cultures.  The activities contained within this kit are designed to enhance both Federal and State Curriculum Frameworks pertaining to these cultures and this time period.  

An 18^th Century Gentleman’s Haversack  

This traveling history kit will help students understand that they can gain information about someone by examining their possessions.  What defines an 18^th century gentle person (vs a common person)?  Through examining an 18^th century traveling man’s possessions students will also discover some of the purposes of a tavern.  Main themes include: Money, the Postal System, Behavior, Roads, Taverns.  

A Chance Encounter: Exploring Civil War Culture  

This traveling history kit introduces students and teachers to the local impact of the Civil War.  It includes one core activity, which involves two fictional Franklin County residents, supplementary activities and teacher resources.  These are designed to help students in grades 3-12 explore the Civil War Era from different angles.  The activities contained within this kit are designed to enhance both Federal and State Curriculum Frameworks pertaining to the Civil War era.  

Eastern European Immigrants in Franklin County : “Everybody was a Pole”  

This kit is designed to allow students and teachers to investigate the nature of Eastern European immigration to this area on many levels.  It is all grounded by the fictional story of Kaitlyn Jeronski, a modern-day 4^th grader who is discovering her own heritage.  There are elementary school, middle school and high school readings and activities, scholarly essays and historical documents, and a basket filled with hands-on items.

Homefront:  World War II  

This Homefront kit will help teachers and students understand the effects that World War II had in the Franklin County region.  The binder is divided into sections that highlight issues of both National and Local concern.  The companion materials in the box, folders and CDs allow teachers and students to look at and listen to primary source material.  Major themes include:  Civilian Defense, Employment, Local Culture, Race & Religion, Rationing and Scrap Drives, Women & Children.  

Loan Policy

As part of its mission to provide engaging and educational experiences for students studying history, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association provides Traveling History Kits for educators to use in their classrooms. None of the  information regarding deposits and check-out fees applies to participants in the Teaching American History Program . TAH participants are, however, responsible for late fees and costs for replacing missing items or items damaged beyond reasonable use, wear and tear, etc.  

Fees for kits:  Kits will be available at a non-refundable rental fee of $25.00. Teaching American History Program Participants are exempt from this fee. This fee covers maintenance and replacement of kit items damaged through incidental wear and tear. Separate charges apply to items damaged beyond reasonable use, lost items, etc.  

Loan Period:  Kits may be borrowed for two week loan periods. A one-time, one week renewal is allowed upon submission of an additional $5.00.  Teaching American History Program Participants are exempt from this fee. Availability is contingent on no waiting list.  

Sharing a kit:  In the event that another teacher in the building wishes to use the kit during the same loan period, the kit and its contents remain the responsibility of the original borrower. If another teacher wishes to use the kit immediately following the original loan period, the kit must first be returned by the original borrower to the Teachers’ Center for inventory and check in.  

Requesting a kit:  To ensure that a kit is in loanable condition, loan requests need to be made a minimum of one week in advance of check-out.  Call the Teachers' Center to check on availability and request a kit: 413-774-7476 ext. 28.

Check-out:

Kits may be checked out by appointment during regular Teachers’ Center hours. (see hours and contact information below) No more than two kits may be borrowed by the same individual at any one time.  

Each kit will undergo a complete inventory upon checkout from Teachers’ Center staff with borrower present.  

Note: some kits contain perishable items. The Teachers’ Center can provide these items or provide a list of items to purchase as the borrower prefers. Unused perishable items do not need to be returned.  

Borrowers accept financial responsibility for all items loaned to their care.  

Check-in:

Kits may be checked in by appointment during regular Teachers’ Center hours.  Teachers’ Center staff will inventory the kit upon check-in with the borrower present.  

Late fines:  Please be prompt in returning the kit, as others may be waiting to borrow it. Kits returned after the due date without prior approval from Teachers’ Center staff will be subject to late fines of $1.00 per day to be paid by borrower upon final inventory and return.                                                                                         

Kit care Dos and Don’ts:           

·        Do keep kit items stored in kit container when not in use.

·        Do keep the kit in an upright position.

·        Do not stack additional items of any kind on the kit container or stand, or sit on the container.

·        Do not attempt to clean soiled items, or to repair damaged items.

·        Do leave a note in the event an item is soiled or damaged: “X got torn; X bottle broke,” etc. and address the note to the attention of the Teachers’ Center staff.  

Cancellation policy: Borrower must provide at least 48 hours notice of their intent to cancel the kit loan, except in the event of extenuating circumstances. (illness, school cancellation, etc.) This is a courtesy to other educators who may be waiting to check out the kit.

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