Gunston Hall Field Trip

. Bucknell, along with students from Gunston and Fort Belvoir elementary schools, received a special invitation to the 217th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. Gunston Hall, George Mason's home, was the site of the festivities. Historical figures, the Independence Fife and Drum Corps, and Lynne Cheney, wife of the Vice-President, were on hand to greet the students. Mrs. Cheney is the author of two children's books on history and wanted to help make history come alive.

On the morning of September 17, a chartered bus arrived at the front of the school and a group of very excited third graders, arraying in their finest, boarded. They arrived at Gunston Hall and were greeted by docents in period costumes.

Once assembled, they were amazed to find some very distinguished people waiting to talk about their ideas and contributions to our country. Mrs. Cheney introduced them.

James Madison modified Mason's VA Declaration of Rights which was then adopted as the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

Thomas Jefferson and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights

Above and to the right, Patrick Henry is still enjoying giving speeches, "Give me liberty or give me death!"

George Washington, first president of the new United States.

Speeches were followed by hands-on activities where students learned about 18th century cooking, games and penmanship. Of course, no one left without first taking a grand tour of Gunston Hall.

Digging for treasures (artifacts) in dirt taken from the archeological dig on the premises.

Cooking sure was a lot harder and hotter in the 1700's. Give me the microwave any day.

The Archeological Excavation Don't fall in!!!!

Writing with a quill and ink takes a lot of concentration. It was a lot of fun trying though.

Learning to do the laundry old fashioned style

Every child received a bag of goodies to take home..... two books and a copy of the Constitution.

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