Objective

By the end of this lesson, Ronnie will gain a deeper understanding of local history through hands-on activities, including volunteering at the Matthewis Persen House Museum and researching primary documents in the county archives. Ronnie will learn how to analyze historical documents and understand their significance in telling the story of the past.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Access to the Matthewis Persen House Museum
• Access to county archives for research
• Internet access for preliminary research on local history
• Basic knowledge of what a primary document is (e.g., letters, photographs, official records)

Activities

• Volunteer Day at the Museum: Spend a day helping out at the Matthewis Persen House Museum. Ronnie will assist with tasks such as guiding visitors, organizing exhibits, or preparing materials for educational programs. This hands-on experience will provide insight into how museums operate and the importance of preserving local history.

• Primary Document Exploration: Visit the county archives to research primary documents related to the local area's history. Ronnie will be tasked with finding at least three different types of documents (e.g., letters, maps, or photographs) and summarizing what they reveal about the past.

• History Reflection Journal: After volunteering and researching, Ronnie will write a reflection in the journal about what he learned from the experience. This could include insights gained from interacting with visitors or interesting facts discovered in the archives.

Talking Points

• "Why do you think museums are important for our understanding of history?"
• "What are primary documents, and how do they help us learn about the past?"
• "Can you think of a story that a photograph might tell? What details do you notice?"
• "How does volunteering at the museum change the way you see history?"
• "What was the most surprising thing you found in the archives?"
• "Why is it important to preserve local history for future generations?"
• "How can you use what you've learned today to inspire others about history?"