can i get talking points for this The Rensselaer County Soldiers and Sailors' Monument Association, organized "to secure a site and erect thereon a suitable monument in honor of and to perpetuate the memory of the soldiers and sailors who went from Rensselaer County, State of New York, into the late war of the Rebellion, and who fell in the defense of their country, or who died later, or shall die in the enjoyment of the fruits of victory achieved," was incorporated November 12th, 1886. On November 29th, Colonel Charles L. MacArthur was elected president of the association, Major-General Joseph B. Carr, vice-president; William Kemp, treasurer; and Arthur W. Bradley, secretary. Washington Square having been selected for the site of the monument on August 1st, 1887, the city subsequently conveyed to the association a title to the ground. The Legislature in 1889, authorized the Supervisors of Rensselaer County to appropriate $25,000 toward the erection of the monument. On August 7th, that year, the design offered by Fuller & Wheeler, architects, Albany, was accepted, and on February 24th, 1890, a contract to erect the monument was awarded Frederick & Field, ofQuincy, Mass. On Decoration Day, Friday, May 30th, that year, the corner-stone was laid by Colonel Charles L. MacArthur, the president of the association, who delivered an historical address, in which he particularized the notable bravery and laudable records of the men of Rensselaer County, who took part in the Civil War. Speeches were also made by the Rev. Peter Havermans and the Rev. J. W. Thompson. The occasion was made memorable by a large procession of veteran soldiers and the military organizations the city, under the direction of Major-General Joseph B. Carr, chief marshal, and the singing of dedicatory and patriotic hymns by five hundred school children. On that day, the sum of the subscriptions, and that appropriated, amounted to $50,538.81. The granite monument will, on its erection, be ninety-three feet high. On the sides of the lower stone-work will be four bronze bas-reliefs, five by six feet, representing infantry, artillery, cavalry, and naval battle-scenes; the naval one being a representation of the engagement between the "Monitor" and the "Merrimac." Surmounting the column will be a bronze figure, "The Call to Arms," thirteen feet high. ___

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, Nicole will understand the significance of the Rensselaer County Soldiers and Sailors' Monument, its historical context, and the important figures involved in its creation. She will also learn about the Civil War and how communities honor their veterans.

Materials and Prep

Notebook and pencil for note-taking
Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paper) for creative activities
Access to the internet for research on the Civil War and monuments
A printout of the monument's description and historical context

Before the lesson, make sure to gather all materials and have a quiet space for discussion and activities. Familiarize yourself with the basic history of the Civil War and the significance of monuments.

Activities

Research Project: Nicole will research one of the key figures involved in the monument's creation, such as Colonel Charles L. MacArthur or Major-General Joseph B. Carr. She will present her findings in a short oral report.
Creative Drawing: Nicole will create her own design for a monument. She can include elements that represent bravery and honor, similar to the Rensselaer County monument.
Role Play: Nicole can act out a speech that could have been given during the monument's dedication. This can help her understand the emotions and significance behind honoring soldiers.
Field Trip (Virtual or Real): If possible, plan a visit to a local monument or a virtual tour of historical sites related to the Civil War. This will give her a real-world connection to what she's learning.

Talking Points

"What was the purpose of the Rensselaer County Soldiers and Sailors' Monument?" - This helps Nicole understand the monument's significance in honoring local soldiers.
"Who were some important people involved in creating the monument?" - Discussing key figures like Colonel MacArthur and their roles can help her grasp teamwork in historical projects.
"What does it mean to honor soldiers and sailors?" - This encourages her to think about the values of bravery and sacrifice.
"Can you name some battles from the Civil War?" - This connects the monument to the larger historical context of the Civil War.
"What materials were used to build the monument?" - Discussing granite and bronze helps her learn about construction and design choices.
"Why do communities create monuments?" - This can lead to a discussion about remembrance and history.
"What feelings do you think people had during the dedication ceremony?" - This encourages empathy and understanding of historical emotions.
"How can art represent history?" - Discussing the design of the monument can open up ideas about art and its role in society.
"What would you include in a monument to honor your community?" - This prompts her to think critically about local history and values.
"How can we learn from the past?" - This wraps up the lesson by connecting historical events to present-day lessons and values.

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