With my girls both in elementary school now and Matthew soon to follow, I love to see what they are learning and how they are learning it. They learn facts, ideas, and concepts, but I wonder, at what point does it come alive for them. What I was studying to be a history teacher, my greatest struggle was with how to deepen the understanding for a child who knows that they just need to correct answer for a multiple-choice question. This can be even more concerning when you talk about black history, a subject that focuses on a very limited number of individuals and events.
On my recent trip to Birmingham, AL, those sorts of question came flooding back. I’ave read about the kinds of jobs that only negroes were “suited for”, but I have never walked under the immense boilers like those at Sloss Furnaces. I’ve never imagined the sand where the heat of molten iron cooling must have been just sweltering.
I’d heard about the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church and I knew something of the impact that this event made in passing civil rights legislation, but standing at the corner made it so much more real. I knew that four little girls had died that day, but walking through the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and seeing their shoes, toys, etc. that had been donated by the families just showed me how little I had really known. Touring the building immerses you in the story of that fight, taking you from Birmingham’s founding, through the civil rights movement, to present-day issues, featuring both accomplishments and setbacks along the way.
Birmingham is a great city that has seen more than it’s share of struggle over its 143 years. The people, though, are resilient and their collective stories are remarkable. I’m can’t wait to go back for more.
How will you bring history to life for your family during the month of February? Tell us your story with us and let’s share ideas.
I would love to take my daughter there one day! Kids learn so much more when they SEE the history, rather than just reading about it in books!
I was really bummed that when we were in Birmingham in December visiting family we did not have a chance to visit any of the historical sites. It looks like such a great city
I love that you are into what your children are studying. Good for you!! Thanks for sharing these photos too. I’ve never been to Birmingham but it would a good to visit and take my kids.
What great photos! I didn’t know about all of these historic sites there.
I love that you took them there. When possible, I think going on field trips and actually being in and around the physical elements can help with learning. I was always a fan of field trips because you got to see things, touch thing.
I want to visit Birmingham for this reason. I’ve heard the stories of civil rights in AL and want to share this experience with my children.
We won’t be going anywhere with the family in February. I really enjoy visiting historic sites and would jump at a chance anytime. I have yet to visit Gettysburg and we live so close. Thanks for sharing.
I love adding educational elements when traveling. Birmingham is only 5-6 hours away from me. I should add it to our summer travel itinerary.
It’s so true, history just comes to life when you are able to visit the places in person. I will never forget my trip to DC in middle school because seeing DC in person made so much of our history real to me. I can’t wait for my girls to be old enough to appreciate history in person.