I like the idea of the historical markers. Every year, we have a "snark
hunt" where people get a map and clues as to where the "snark" might be.
You might incorporate something similar to that along with certain markers
you'ld like the children and their families to locate, and at the end,
have a little get together with refereshments.

Geri Wagner
Technicrafts
Technical and Professional Communications Design
8037 Herder Road
Blossvale, New York
(315) 337-6463
(315 337-5024 (fax)

"Always we begin again..."

On Fri, 20 Jun 1997, Phil Lord wrote:

> RE: Classroom projects related to local history themes that might involve
> parents.
>
> You might consider something linked to local State Historic Markers -
> those blue and gold signs on posts you see along the side of the road.
> The texts on these signs are usually focused on local sites and events,
> so community history research is involved.
>
> Since the markers are often along highways and other "out of town"
> places, parents would have to get involved; transporting the child on field
> expeditions to find markers, take pictures of them, interview landowners
> about them, etc.
>
> The brief texts could be a catalyst to compile other local history
> information about the site or subject.
>
> Another slant on this would be to research a site - and old ruins or
> "archeological" sites of local interest might be the focus here - and then
> prepare a report that supports the idea of having a marker put up there.
> This proposal could be presented to the town or county historian or local
> government for approval, and funding [which unfortunately is not
> presently available from the State] could be raised through local projects.
>
> The State Education Department is the contact for information about old
> markers and advice on new ones. Students, teachers, and parents
> interested in this can contact me.
> Philip Lord, Jr.
> Acting Chief
> Historical Survey
> New York State Museum
> [log in to unmask]
>