Vermont History Outreach Program: IT'S 1891…
(classroom and onsite visits)
(grades 4-5)
Two outreach visits to classroom;
one on-site class visit to PM: suggested projects and questions for assessment.
Three important events in Vermont history occurred in 1891: Vermont celebrated its Centennial; the Bennington Battle Monument was dedicated; and President Benjamin Harrison, who was guest of honor and speaker at both events, stayed at the McCullough's home for two nights.
Classroom Visit One: My Victorian Family (1 hour)
After introducing himself and his family, John McCullough shows the students a facsimile of a handwritten letter he wrote to President Benjamin Harrison, inviting him to stay at their home in 1891. He explains the significance of both the Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument and Vermont's Centennial Celebration, stressing the fact that the Battle of Bennington was a turning point in the American Revolution.
John McCullough enlists the students' help in preparing for President Harrison's visit to his home. Students take on roles as members of the Bennington community
in 1891,
joining one of five committees:
Lizzie's Private Secretaries,
Annie the Housekeeper's Assistants,
Lila's Banquet Committee,
John McCullough's Speech Writers, and
Robert the Coachman's Transportation Committee.
Each committee is given a choice of individual or group projects to present when visiting PM.
Classroom Visit Two: President Harrison's 1891 Visit (1 hour)
John McCullough reviews with students the reason for President Harrison's visit, sharing with them 1891 newspaper accounts of his travels. Committees report on their
progress to date.
They also practice proper Victorian etiquette with each other and make calling cards in preparation for their visit to the McCullough's home and in anticipation of President Harrison's visit to Bennington.
On-site Visit to PM (2 hours)
Wearing shawls or with hats in hand, students present their calling cards upon arrival at the house. They meet family members and the McCullough's staff, to whom they present their projects. After seeing the carriage that transported President Harrison during his visit, students demonstrate their best Victorian behavior as they conclude the program with a tea party.
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