February Break Field Trips

Hello Readers!

            This week I want to share my adventures of February Break! As this was my first February Break as a teacher, I can honestly say that the week off is much neededJ The amount of grading had piled up in addition to unit planning that just never seemed to fit into scheduled prep time. It feels amazing to be all caught up and even ahead in some areas! With report cards coming at the end of the month, I am so thankful for this week of productivity.

            Although much of my break was spent grading and planning, I did venture out on some fieldtrips to explore the New England area. The first place I visited was the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. There were nine exhibits including video interviews and historical artifacts documenting the influx of immigration to the Rhode Island area during the 19^th and 20^th centuries. I found it interesting to learn about the Industrial Revolution in New England as I walked through the replicated textile mill. It was shocking to learn about the harsh working conditions and low paygrade of the hardworking European and Canadian immigrants. I was especially surprised to learn of the French influence that permeated the Woonsocket area during this time. Local parochial schools taught in English for half of the day and taught the other half of the day in French. Newspapers and advertisements were printed in French catering to the growing population of immigrants from Quebec. The museum gave me a new appreciation for the small town history that surrounds me.

            The second place I visited was Simpson Spring in Easton, Massachusetts. This is the oldest bottling plant in the United States dating back to the 1878. Today, the plant still collects natural spring water from the aquafer, bottles, and sells it for consumption. They also offer a variety of hand-crafted sodas made from the pure spring water and natural flavoring. The tour featured the opportunity to see the spring, the bottling machinery, the on-site laboratory used in the 19^th and 20^th centuries to concoct new flavors of soda, and a plethora of memorabilia such as the first Simpson Spring vending machine. It was fascinating to go behind the scenes of a working factory that produces pure spring water.

            I am fortunate to have access to historical sites, so close to home. These day trips remind me that there is always more to learn about the surrounding communities. Maybe over April vacation I can explore a few more locationsJ

Until Next Time,

~A

P.S. To find out more about these locations, please visit

http://www.rihs.org/museums/museum-of-work-and-culture/

https://www.simpsonspring.com/