Bring History Back to your Students

Last summer I was fortunate enough to attend a National Endowment for the Humanities grant program at the Henry Ford. I traveled to Detroit for the week and was immersed in American History while visiting the sites at Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford Museum, and The Rouge Plant. While I had previously visited these sites as a child, I found an immense appreciation for the passion for education that Henry Ford had as I visited the sites again as a teacher. Many people are not aware that Henry Ford spent millions of dollars hand-plucking the artifacts and buildings included in his museums from all across America in an effort to preserve American culture and share it with future generations. The entire visit I couldn't help but think to myself how perfect these sites would be to teach my children American History and show them firsthand what life was like in different time periods. I fully realize that this aspiration is completely in vain, as we can hardly gain permission to travel an hour away from school, let alone three, and I know that many of you face the same dilemma that I do. However, I do encourage you, as summer approaches, to plan a weekend trip to The Henry Ford and take photos for your students. I cannot tell you how many times I have referenced a photo with my students this year. I have been able to bring my students closer to everything from plantation life (Susqhehanna) to the colonial time period (Daggert Farm). Not only are they able to see these things, but they are much more intrigued by my personal stories and pictures from the trip. Along with being an educational resource, The Henry Ford truly is an enjoyable trip, especially if you have never visited before. More information is available at: http://www.thehenryford.org/. I hope you love it as much as I do!