On this perfect autumn day I accompanied three classes of fourth graders, their teachers and a number of parent chaperones to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, Virginia, about 100 miles west of Richmond. The purpose of this living museum, according to their website, is to tell the story of early immigrants and their American descendants. The Museum has moved or reproduced examples of traditional rural buildings from England, Germany, Ireland, West Africa, and America. Our fourth grade has been studying immigration patterns through history, so this field trip is a wonderful chance for them to see how people carried their culture with them, adapting it to each new situation.
Here you see three of our students walking with the authentically dressed guide. Ahead of them is the Irish farm. Beyond that we also visited an Irish forge, and farms of Germany and England as well as a compound representing the cultures of West Africa. What an amazing opportunity less than two hours from our school.
I absolutely love this sort of museum! I think Plymouth Plantation was my first, and we've since gone to a few in Nova Scotia (and in Cape Breton). It's a walk through history and a marvelous experience at any age! Your photo, BTW is excellent in it's pairing!
I love the blend of history and "modern times" in this shot. We have a little living museum like that near here I've been keeping in the back of my mind to see some time- probably in the Spring. Great shot!
