Thanks to everyone for their suggestions!  I received some off-line too.
The teachers I am working with want to spend all year on this project.  The
"magnet" group that is doing this particular study of immigration will meet
every Monday.  Sometimes they will meet at the museum.

We mentioned doing a sample "Ellis Island" walk through as one of the
activities.  I would love to have some sample activities, and will contact
you.

We will combine this with other activities.   60 percent of our students
here are Hispanice, and primarily from Mexico. I would like to figure out
something about that experience too.

Other children of early families here would have come by train in the late
1800's, a few by covered wagon.  So that will be something we can
concentrate on.  The advertisements by NPRR would be fun to play off of.

Thank you so much!
David Lynx


> David,
>
> We do a full immersion immigration program.  As a previsit, classes fill out
> a manifest form and assume a "character" coming to America.  When they
> arrive at the museum (as if they are stepping off the boat at Ellis Island),
> they are met by an immigration officer (a costumed museum theatre
> interpreter) and then are put through a mock physical and legal examination.
> The experience culminates with first person retellings of the stories of
> the major immigrant groups to our area.
>
> I have a book list and sample activities that I would be happy to share if
> you want to contact me off list.
>
> For this experience, it is a great way for the students to experience the
> fears and unknown of our country's immigrants.  I think one of the great
> activities and things to stress is the fact that you could only bring
> limited items with you.  In our material age, what would you bring if
> limited to x number of items?  What things would be most important to you
> and most necessary.  (Note: This activity is also wonderful in thinking
> about westward expansion.
>
> Christina
> Christina M. Myatt
> Theatrical Programming Coordinator
> Putnam Museum
> 1717 West 12th Street
> Davenport IA 52804
> 563.324.1054 ext. 207 (phone)
> [log in to unmask]

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