Tea Parties, Witches, and Midnight Rides

By Beth Hedrick

Boston and New England
A trip to the Birthplace of America, full of attractions, historical & captivating cities, and charming villages, will fill you, and your students, with knowledge of history and culture. The students will learn where historical, political, and social revolutions took place and how they shaped our present day. Here are 7 fascinating sites to visit with your students! And who knows? Maybe you'll also catch a Red Sox Game while you're there!

The Freedom Trail
History buffs and soon-to-become history lovers will find that touring the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail brings history to life. This brick path has several historic sites that were significant to the building of our country. Museums, parks, churches, burying grounds, memorials, and more! Enlighten you and your students and help them actually envision what was happening at this significant time in the formation of America.

Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower ll
When I visited the Plimoth Plantation, it was as if I was living the settlement life. Students will experience what life was like during the formation of America by exploring the 17th-century village and interacting with the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians. History comes alive as they witness what seems like “real-time” tending to the animals, cooking, doing chores, and eating. The lively exhibits include a visit to the Mayflower ll and the Wampanoag Native American Homesite.

Walden Pond
There are a variety of educational programs for children of all ages at Walden Pond, the home of Henry David Thoreau from 1845 to 1847. He penned his book "Walden," which brought awareness to preserving nature, at this very site. Coined the Birthplace of the Conservation Movement, Walden Pond is an exquisite, serene sight that gives the students a place to relax and participate in educational tours.

Salem Witch Museum
I have always been very curious about the Salem Witch Trials. Yes, the events saddened me very much, as to how people would draw unclaimed conclusions to put innocent people to death. The Salem Witch Trials are a part of our history, and the events can teach children about individuals and their beliefs, fears, and other common characteristics of today. There are several exhibits which highlight this daunting time and bring it back to life. Understanding these issues from such a long time ago can help children and young adults apply this to our world today.

Boston Museum of Science
No awesome field trip is complete without a little science! The Boston Museum of Science delivers amazing wonderment as the children discover all aspects of this fascinating subject.  The exhibits that are featured will easily cover each realm of the sciences; life, physical, and, my personal favorite: the exhibits on the topic of psychology!

New England Aquarium
Students will increase their knowledge of oceanography and marine life when they visit the New England Aquarium. Adding science to this field trip can give the kids a refreshing look at the many species of marine life, give them an opportunity for hands-on experience (I loved petting the rays!), and show them the most colorful coral reefs they have ever seen. The shark exhibit may be one of their favorites as well!

House of the Seven Gables
It may be a good idea, if you teach middle school or high school, to read The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne beforehand. This will allow the students to process the background knowledge in order to thoroughly appreciate the most historical wooden mansion in New England. This 17th century home can also be appreciated by younger students, as well.  If they are given information on the lifestyle of this era they will surely "ooh" and "ahh" during the tour and hands-on activities at the oldest Homeplace in the northeast.

Whether you visit one, or all, of the sites on this list this deeply fulfilling, educational opportunity will make memories that you and your students will always look back on. When I visited Boston and New England and made new discoveries as an adult, I was astounded by what an educational trip can provide for students. Your kids will go back home with much more insight into our country’s first days, as well as fond memories of all the attractions they were able to experience!

Beth Hedrick has been educating students for 22 years. She teaches in a rural southwest Virginia community that values the education of every student. She is the mother of two boys, Aaron and Landon, and is married to Todd.

She is an advocate for Autism Awareness, as her son Landon has Asperger’s Syndrome. She has served on her community and school system’s autism support team. Beth enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her Basset Hound, Lenny. She also likes to read, write, blog, and travel in the summer months.