Vermont History Outreach Program: SERVANT FOR A DAY   
(classroom and onsite visits) (adaptable for grades 3-5)

One outreach visit to classroom; one on-site class visit to PM; pre- and post-visit activities and suggested assessments.

Most of the servants employed by the McCullough family in the 19th century were immigrants. They had left their homeland in search of opportunity in America. In SERVANT FOR A DAY, students will have a hands-on experience as they learn about the lives, duties, and daily schedule of servants in the McCullough household.

Classroom visit (1 hour)

Prior to the visit from the McCullough's butler Richard, teachers are encouraged to read a story to the class about an immigrant coming to America. Students take on roles as immigrants, selecting names, creating families, and choosing a country of origin. Writing in their activity books, the students explain their reason for coming to America and what they hope to find. They describe what they brought with them and what they will miss from home.

Richard tells the students that he needs to hire extra staff in preparation for President Harrison's visit to the McCullough home. He explains the duties expected of the servants he hopes to hire and asks students to write a letter of application to bring when they visit PM.

On-site visit to PM (1.5 hours)

Richard and his staff greet students upon arrival and receive their letters of application. Students are divided into groups, given aprons, and taken to different parts of the house, including a servant's room. They practice setting a table, prepare a tray for tea, clean a room, beat rugs, polish boots, brush Mr. McCullough's coat, and make a bed.

At the end of their visit, Richard tells the students that their work was satisfactory and that all of their letters of application have been accepted. Using play money, Richard then pays each student in advance for the month. Following their visit, students write letters to their families describing their new positions and promising to send money home regularly.

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