Greatest Field Trip Ever

It's amazing what happens when you have great weather and a great class on a field trip. It is no longer micro managing and stress, but a lot of fun had by all. This was definitely the case yesterday as we took our fourth graders to St. Mary's City, the first colony in Maryland. So enjoy some pictures from St. Mary's City and some historical tid bits.

The replica of the Dove pictured above, was the supply ship and the Ark carried the people to Maryland. Freedom of religion led the Calverts and friends to Maryland.

The kids got to hoist the anchor on board the Dove in a tug-of-war battle, which they greatly enjoyed.

St. Mary's City's wealth came from growing tobacco. Indentured servants were brought over and had to work for a master for 5-7 years.

Here's a student dressed in typical native winter garb.

This is a Yaocomaco witchott.

We are observing how the colonists' dried out tobacco and learned that the English thought tobacco was good for your lungs and would rub tobacco ash on their teeth to make them white.

Here's the local printing press where two of my students printed an indentured servant notice.

Here's a picture of my whole class after lunch. Boy were their feet tired after following our speedy guide all morning.

Here's the local inn of the time where in you'd have to share a bed tick (a mat stuffed with corn husks or hay) with strangers who might be passing through at the same time.