White River Valley Museum Adds Westward Migration and Pioneer Life to Heritage Outreach KitsFor Immediate Release
Contact:
Patricia Cosgrove, Director
253-288-7437
pcosgrove@auburnwa.gov
Kits Align with Washington's Classroom-Based Assessments
AUBURN, Wash. - September 1, 2011 - The White River Valley Museum has added Western Migration and Pioneer Life to its Heritage Outreach Kits, which are created to align with Washington's Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs). The new kit was funded by 4Culture.
Each Heritage Outreach Kit contains artifacts, photographs and other primary documents representing the White River Valley's unique and diverse cultural heritage. Easy-to-use lesson plans and project models aim to engage and excite students to learn with historical objects and materials.
Kits are available at the elementary and secondary school levels and can be reserved for up to one month. The rental cost per kit is $60 a month. Scholarships are available for qualifying schools. The renter is responsible for transporting the kit to and from White River Valley Museum.
To reserve a Heritage Outreach Kit, contact the Education Department at 253-288-7439 or email ehash@auburnwa.gov.
HERITAGE OUTREACH KITS
Westward Migration and Pioneer Life
Students learn about the time of the frontier in the Puget Sound region before Washington became a state. What types of tools and equipment did the pioneers use? Did children of all ages really go to school in one room? Kit includes historical items such as a 43-star flag, bonnet, military cap, McGuffey's spelling book, lunch pail, checker board and pieces, a blackboard slate and more. The kit also has 16 historic photographs, a CD of children's pioneer music and two children's books about pioneer life.
Coast Salish Culture
Coast Salish refers to a subgroup of Native American cultures in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon that speak one of the Coast Salish languages. Due to plentiful food and mild weather conditions, historical Coast Salish tribes developed complex communities, built massive cedar long houses, carved giant canoes and developed a trade-based economy. Students in the fourth through eighth grades focus on traditional Coast Salish culture, including the importance of salmon, historic treaties, art and more. The kit includes items such as cedar bark bundles, a drum, beaded necklace, woven sheep-wool blanket, a small cedar basket and 19 photographs.
Japanese Immigration
The Japanese were the largest immigrant population to settle in the White River Valley during the early 1900s. Most were young farmers looking to earn a living and raise a family. Students in the third, fourth and fifth grades learn about the lives and culture of Japanese immigrants by examining artifacts, documents and photographs. Kit contents include a kimono, farming tool, silk fabric, tea cup, a map of Japan, a passport and more.
Japanese-American Internment
The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II in the western United States is an important part of history. Between 1942 and 1945, about 1,900 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly removed from the White River Valley area and sent to camps. Students in the eighth through 12th grades learn about this historical period by examining newspaper articles, photographs and primary documents that trace one family's internment experience. The kit includes items such as evacuation baggage tags, change of residence notice and travel permit, war relocation authority letters, housing assignments, letters, maps, work orders and more.
ABOUT THE WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railway.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is located at 918 H St. S.E. in Auburn. Regular admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.
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White River Valley Museum
918 H St. S.E.
Auburn, WA 98002
253-288-7433
www.wrvmuseum.org |
