From a Child’s Perspective

A story, a letter, a house, a painting, all serve as primary documents for students to analyze and interpret in learning about childhood in the mid- 19th century. During this three-part program, students tour Irving’s cottage, participate in a discussion of 19th-century fashion and activities, and discover how their peers communicated without the benefit of IMing or cell phones. On the tour, students look for objects that reveal clues to 19th-century games, toys, and children’s literature. During a lively conversation, students also observe paintings to discover 19th-century children’s fashion and answer questions about how gender influenced dress. There will be an opportunity to handle and try on period accessories. To practice reading and writing skills students, decipher a thank you note written by Washington Irving then compose their own formal correspondence.

Admission: $8
Program length: 2 and 1/2hours 
Group limit: 120 
Grades: 6 - 8