You know why so many kids hate History? It's dry, boring facts. There are no compelling visuals, and kids today want great visuals and videos. You can't touch it, unlike science. Kids don't see the relevance of History to life today.
I was a lucky kid because my father loved History and we visited museums and battlefields and he explained everything to me and my brother in a way that was vivid and compelling. When you're walking on the ground where soldiers fought listening to an account of the battle by someone who spoke as though he were there, it makes History really come alive.
Dad's gone now but there are other options.
You know a great way to get kids fascinated by History? Take them to the cemetery. Oakland Cemetery. Kids really learn better when they are standing in the virtual shoes of people who made history, and there are lots of those folks in Oakland.
"Discover the history, the period gardens, and the art and architecture that give Oakland its distinctive character. Oakland is an outdoor museum of Atlanta’s history with over 70,000 stories to tell; stories filled with both stunning victories and heart-wrenching tragedies." [from the website]
Oakland Cemetery first started burying people in 1854, and today it's a public park, free to visit. You can show kids where Civil War soldiers are buried, and walk a short distance and show them the graves of Atlanta's first black mayor, Maynard Jackson, or golf legend Bobby Jones. There are elaborate mausoleums constructed by the wealthy and prominent, and tiny stone markers over the graves of those with no money or fame.
Kids can actually touch graves, headstones, and the many varieties of exotic plants. This page offers information for those looking to do a school tour. This page offers suggestions on different types of lessons for kids.
History is not the only subject you can teach while walking around Oakland.
Here are some fun facts you may not know about Oakland:
- It's a public park so admission is free
- Oakland is a Victorian garden cemetery and your child who loves plants and gardening will delight in the huge variety of plant life, including a huge variety of flowers, trees and shrubs. "Oakland’s tree canopy includes over 1600 trees and hundreds of species. Some are saplings, while others are close to 200 years old." [Source]
- Architecture aficionados will learn all about the unique offerings at Oakland: "People have sought to honor the memory of departed loved ones since ancient times, but the 19th century ushered in a new era of funerary art. Innovative building materials came available and styles changed to reflect the popular architecture of the day, such as Egyptian and Gothic Revival. New money meant bigger and bolder memorials to reflect the social status and power of prominent families." [Source]
- Most kids nowadays know the meaning of the word "diversity." Oakland Cemetery in downtown Atlanta has graves of people from all races and religions.
- If you want to visit during one of the many fun events, you can create a lasting memory for your child. Oakland hosts many fun events during the year, such as the Tunes from the Tombs, Run Like Hell, and Capturing the Spirit Halloween tours
"It might seem strange, at first, to hang out in a cemetery, but recreation in cemeteries is nothing new. In fact, picturesque cemeteries like Oakland were designed as public spaces, and in the second half of the 19th century, city dwellers visited them when they needed to get away from the hustle and bustle. They were popular spots for picnics, walks, and more." [Source]
My friend David Moore was head of Historic Oakland Foundation until recently, and now he is the Director Emeritus. A few years ago I was privileged to get a personal tour of Oakland, riding in a golf cart with David. He was such a fun tour guide, and knew so many great facts and anecdotes.
If you want to visit Oakland you can take a guided tour, either with a volunteer or listening to a recording. The tours are free if you're a member of Historic Oakland.
If you think of cemeteries as sad and boring, I invite you to re-think that idea. Oakland is a place bustling with life.
My friend David Moore is raising funds to improve Oakland, as he explains:
"The Living History Campaign is our first ever capital campaign and we are trying to raise 12 million to build a visitors center outside the gates for us and the community to use for large gatherings, symposiums, etc. - a real facility we've never had before. We're also rehabbing the Bell Tower Building and a huge undertaking of restoring the east side of the cemetery. We hope these projects will increase revenue, increase visitors, etc. and folks can come learn about the past, and more." - David Moore
You can learn more HERE.
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