We are a homeschooling family. I have six children. Two have graduated. Those keeping up will know that I still have four that I’m teaching. A couple of years ago I came up with a brilliant plan. Historical field trips.
We have done a Revolutionary War field trip, traveling clockwise from Colorado, taking us to Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Charleston, SC. We listened to some Faith and Freedom Tour CDs from Vision Forum on the way across the country to prepare us for what we would see. Occasionally, we would make an unplanned stop to see something spectacular, like the home where Stonewall Jackson died. It was a highlight of our trip. The actual bed he languished in is still in that tiny white house. With tears in my eyes, I relayed to my children the story of his death, his faith, and his Hope. And they were there.
Stonewall Jackson Home
Then last year, we made a similar trip, this time counter-clockwise from Colorado to Florida, and up to Boston. On the way up to Boston, we planned to drive by to see the Statue of Liberty from across the harbor. However, when we got there we couldn’t resist the urge to go on the ferry to see it up close. We visited Ellis Island while we were there. Faith decided that she would like to go back to NY for her birthday. She waffles between NY and Paris. And throws in Pompeii on occasion to keep us on our toes. We ended up in the Bronx during Rush Hour…in my 15 passenger van. I called my husband and asked him to guess where we were. I was a tad bit overwhelmed.
So, we make great memories, learn a ton of history that sticks, and the children don’t even seem to realize that they are learning. It’s just part of the big field trip.
This year, we are heading to the West Coast. I want to drive the kids to California, by way of the Grand Canyon. Then we will head up the Pacific Hwy. I need some history ideas! I want to take them to the Hearst Castle, Solvang, San Francisco. Picnic on the beach. What else should we do? I am in great need for ideas. We used to live at Edwards AFB, so I will take them out there for sure. I’m begging you for ideas. Where do we go? Even in those spots I mentioned, what are for sure not to miss sites? Act like I know nothing (and you’ll be pretty close to where I’m at) about the places and spill the beans. Where would *you* go?
Photo credit: Bill Selak / Foter.com / CC BY-ND
Have you thought about visiting the California Missions? The missions were founded between 1768 and 1853. I found this website: http://www.missionscalifornia.com that looks like it has lots of great teacher resources!!
Thank you for this idea, Diane. I had no idea they extended that far back in history. I will certainly check this out!
How about the Gold Rush area? We stayed in Columbia, California where they have a historical town…no cars on the main street. You can take a tour through the area where miners stayed or stay at their historical hotel.
http://www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com/
We also enjoyed the aquarium in Monterrey many, many, many years ago.
Great idea! Thanks for sharing it. I will go do some research to see if we can do this!
If you go all the way to Seattle, the underground city of Seattle is amazing. The history of San Franciso is really cool too. There are numerous books on how the city burned over and over again. If you want to read one before you go, the one Calico Palace (just for you) by Gwen Bristow is one that talks about it. Also, the earthquake of 1906.…http://gocalifornia.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=gocalifornia&cdn=travel&tm=4&f=20&su=p531.60.342.ip_&tt=3&bt=8&bts=8&zu=http%3A//www.sfcityguides.org/descriptions.html
The Redwood forest –http://www.redwood.national-park.com
This is some interesting ones in Oregon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Historic_Landmarks_in_Oregon
Tillamook is also a must see and stop along the way!
Tonya, if you go through Oregon, I grew up in a little community of Pistol River, between Brookings and Gold Beach. Gold Beach has a historical society with lots of local history. I’m very biased about the area. If you want more information, email me.
Hi Tonya
You might like to go to Monterey Bay, if you haven’t been before. Not only is the wildlife amazing, but you can also get the history on Steinbeck — great literature.
In terms of food you could take, since you are taking a cool box, I find a tuna mix I make up really good. It has the omega 3’s and lots of other good stuff in it and will keep you all filled up for a good number of hours. I mix cans of tuna with some mayonnaise, natural yoghurt, spring onions, pine nuts, seeds, curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon, occasionally raisins. What I put in differs each time, depending on what is in the cupboard but we all love it. It goes with pretty much anything, too. Use plenty of yoghurt to keep it moist as it will dry out a bit over time.
The gluten free cookbook arrived and I’m having a great time looking through all the recipes.
Hope you have a great field trip. Take care.
Miranda xx