Project Idea: Historical Perspectives and Travel Guides

Learning Circle Group: Places and Perspectives

Sponsoring Teacher   :  Ashley Rubolotta

Sponsor School: Craig High School

City: Boonton, NJ

Country: United States of America

Name of Project:  Historical Perspectives and Travel Guides

Goal of the Project:

New Jersey is a fascinating place to visit.  We, as a state, are also celebrating our 350 anniversary this year.  There are many historical sites to visit and other entertainment options throughout the state.  We would like to share these with you in the form of a travel brochure.  We are also interested in learning about the historical significance of your area and what locations are “must sees.”  We would like to complete a two-day travel itinerary for each location.

Type of Writing Requested:

We would like to collect Microsoft Word files, (.doc), and/or .jpeg images.  PowerPoint presentations (.ppt) would also be acceptable. 

Description of What You Are Looking For From Other Schools:

An example of a “must see” from your area might look like this.

Morristown, NJ is rich with history.  During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington, (also our country’s first president), used Morristown as his headquarters during two different winter encampments.  Also, Morristown is home to Speedwell Village.  This old ironworks has been restored to mimic what life was like in the 19^th century.  This village has the honor of being the first location to publicly demonstrate the telegraph in January 11, 1838, and it also provided the engine for the SS Savannah, the first steam ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.  While enjoying the history of Morristown, please take in some local culture and cuisine.  The Mayo Performing Arts Center hosts fabulous shows and concerts.  If you prefer to spend time outside, The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a beautiful 127-acre preserve housing formal gardens ready for you to stroll.  For a relaxed meal with family and friends, visit The Brick Oven or Millie’s Old World Pizza and Meatballs.  Both restaurants serve delicious pizza and offer outdoor seating.  If you would like something more formal, Roots Steakhouse offers not only steak, but seafood and amazing desserts.  You have to try the caramel brownie; it is fantastic! If you are in New Jersey, Morristown in a must see!

 Washington’s Headquarters (image from blog.nj.com)

Esty House in Speedwell Village (image from isabelsphotos.com)

  Dinner and dessert at Roots Steakhouse (images from tripadvisor.com and yelp.com)

 A fountain at Frelinghuysen (image from groundswelldesigngroup.com) 

Questions and/or story prompts:

For our project, we would like to collect historical information and attractions in your area.  Please consider the following questions when collecting your information.

• Where would you like to take someone who only has two days in your area?
• Would this person have to understand anything about your culture or your area to understand this destination? 
• What local restaurant or local food should they try?
• Is there an historical event that influenced the development of your region?  If so, are there surviving landmarks from this event?
• Are there famous people from your area with a museum or monument dedicated to them?

Detailed Instructions For Collecting Information:

Please e-mail me, astrogrrl138@yahoo.com , with your information. 

Ideal Number of Submissions from Each School:

We would like at least one historical place, one local restaurant or food, and one area of entertainment from each school.  More than one submission would be great!

Preferred Length of Articles:

We would prefer at least one paragraph about your historical sites, one paragraph about attractions in your area, and one paragraph about the food from your region.   A picture of each location and food item would be fantastic.

Deadline for Receiving Information:

We would like to receive this information by December 1^st.