Sycamore History Museum received Award of Excellence! |
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The Sycamore History Museum received an Award of Excellence from the Illinois Association of Museums. The third grade program “Sycamore in the 1950s compared to today,” is the second in the Sycamore History Project series available to Sycamore’s schools. The presentation builds upon the story Roxaboxen read by most third graders. In this story, children create imaginary town made of rocks and boxes. It ends with the children as adults sharing their recollections of this fun time in their childhood. To connect the story with local history, students learn about their community - Sycamore 50 years ago.
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Students compare Sycamore in the 1950s to today in a variety of interactive ways. First, the students look at a 1956 streetscape of Sycamore and contrast it to a current view of downtown Sycamore. Some of the buildings are the same, but many of the businesses have changed. “This activity is a fun way to look at how a community changes over time – we have lost our grocery stores, hardware stores and electronic businesses, and have gained restaurants and gift shops,” explained Michelle Donahoe, executive Director of the Sycamore History Museum.
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As a follow-up, during a second visit the students listen to stories from long-time residents who share their memories. This is a great way to demonstrate that history is fun and interesting.
Finally, the students are given a worksheet based on information from a Chamber of Commerce 1956 publication. They are assigned to compare such items as the number of policemen, firemen, tv stations, and recreational activities to today.
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