By Pat Lavin
November 20, 2013
In early October, twenty-four young Time Travelers and their teachers walked from the Summit Montessori School to the Old Academy Museum. The youngsters, all familiar with the book, THE ABCs Of FRAMINGHAM HISTORY, were eager to step back in time. They were curious and anxious to hear Framingham’s story and see its many treasured artifacts.
History quickly came alive for them! Our docents transported the group from the early days of the Nipmuc and the new settlers through the 19th century and into today’s world of Bose and Staples. Along the way, the children were delighted as they found their favorite artifacts from the ABC book sprinkled throughout the museum floors. Students and adults were fascinated by the penny that saved Lothrop Wight’s life when he was struck with a Rebel bullet in 1862. There were lots of giggles when the children learned that dresses were the fashion for little boys until they were four or five years old. And that mysterious highwheeler! How does one get on and off without falling?
Many questions were asked and answered as the tour came to an end. Our travelers were then off to picnic on the Centre Common and tour the Thursday afternoon Farmer’s Market.
The children’s teachers wanted their students to get a sense of place as they visited the Common and its surrounding buildings. What better way to begin developing that sense of time and place than a visit to the Framingham History Center!
Editor’s Note: The ABCs of Framingham History is available for sale in our Museum Gift Shoppe, or click here to order online. Meet the authors and get a personally inscribed edition for the holidays at the FHC’s upcoming celebration Caroling on the Common December 8th. For more details on that event, click here.