From:  <5010.5955@trader.com> NORALEEN YOUNG
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 1996 11:39:28 EST
Subject: Kids and Historical Artifacts

[Noraleen Young describes an interesting project, and asks for help in
locating resources.  Can any of our subs help; and do any of you have
other ideas\stories on the general topic of kids and history (esp. local
history)\historical artifacts, etc.?  Randy]

I am working with a local Girl Scout Council.  Over the years people have
donated old Girl Scout uniforms.  I have established what I call the
"Master Collection" -- one of each version for each age level, both girl
and adult.  These are only to be used for exhibit purposes.

There is great interest by leaders and girls to "try on" these older
uniforms so I am establishing "Decade Boxes" (1920s, 1930s, etc.) using
the many duplicate uniforms the Council has received.  (Those uniforms for
which I can trace to a specific person go into the Master Collection but
for many of these uniforms I have no idea where they came from and no way
to trace it.)  Each box will have several uniforms for the age levels for
that decade, dependant upon on what the council has for that decade.
Duplicate copies of the GS handbooks used during that decade will also be
included.  I am also going to try to get some magazines for each decade to
add to the box.  These boxes will be checked out by leaders to use in
their troops.

I am also preparing a resource guide which will include timelines for
general national history, the local history, Girl Scouting in the U.S. and
especially the history of the local council.  I will include connections
to badge work (the older girls have a women's history badge) and a list of
resources available in the community.  The guide will also include ideas
and suggestions for use of the boxes.

I am looking for resources/suggestions on how to use these type of
historical artifacts with children (ages 5-18) and adults.  I want these
boxes to give the troops the opportunity to learn about local history, GS
history and women's history in a very tangible way.

Thanks and sorry for the long post.


5010.5955@trader.com Noraleen A. Young C. A. 
Public Historian

"I contend my friend it is better to do  
 something, rather than nothing, while               
 waiting to do everything." Churchill