Recently, a “learning pod” of fourth-grade girls from Crescent Lake Elementary School in Wolfeboro visited the Wright Museum of WWII, an occasion that also “thrilled’’ parents.
“During this time of remote schooling and social distancing, any opportunity for safe, live educational enrichment is precious,” said Sarah Bird, mother of Ava Roriston, one of the 4 fourth graders in the pod. “We jumped at the chance.”
The custom tour, priced at $4 per person and available to students, teachers and parents, was guided by museum Executive Director Mike Culver.
“Mike had the wonderful idea to highlight the role of American women during WWII,” explained Bird. “What a great way to kick off Women’s History Month.”
The visit also complemented curriculum in the classroom.
“The visit dovetailed with the girls reading the book, Making Bombs for Hitler, which was set in World War II,” Bird added.
According to Culver, The Wright is open throughout the winter and spring for school groups. He said the tours and activities available to students have been designed to meet student learning objectives developed from the New Hampshire K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Framework.
“Teachers have the flexibility to choose which activities will best meet the needs of their student,” he said. “We also recognize that our educators across the state have knowledge and skills to offer the museum, and we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate to develop and integrate lessons to best meet the content needs of the classroom.”
Aside from the educational value of the visit, Bird said she and the students would have stayed for the entire afternoon if time allowed.
“Mike’s presentation was perfectly geared to the age group of our kids, and the girls asked so many great questions that Mike was happy to answer,” she said. “The students particularly enjoyed the Day in the Life exhibits that featured a recreated American living room, five and dime store, and a soda shop during war time.”
She said the students were also “awestruck” by the original massive Pershing tank and its history of facing live battle.
“Following the visit, we sent a letter with pictures of our visit to a WWII veteran who happened to turn 101 years old on the day of our visit,” added Bird. “We thought he’d enjoy seeing that kids of today are still learning about and appreciate the tremendous service of his generation.”
The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, The Wright features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representative of both the homefront and battlefield.
