| |
|
|
|
|
The DAR Museum
By Nancy Taylor
Though it is not usually listed as a must-see in this city of
world-class museums, the DAR Museum has some special treats for
visitors with children. Their newest and perhaps most intriguing
display of items, Obsolete, Odd and Absolutely Ooky Stuff from the
DAR Museum are currently on display through September 2, 2006.
Included in the exhibit are objects from the 18th and 19th century
that were useful, in fashion and innovative for the time, but are
pretty unusual by current standards. Items like a glass dachshund to
drink from, jewelry made from human hair and a Revolutionary-era
mousetrap are sure to delight kids of all ages. For the medical
enthusiast, the museum offers an earwax spoon, tooth extractors and
various bloodletting instruments, including a jar for leeches. Kids
love the truly odd, and this display will not disappoint. If you
have a squeamish child, don’t let that keep you away; many of the
display items are odd and interesting without being gross.
The DAR Museum collection features more than 30,000 examples of
decorative and fine arts, including objects made or used in America
prior to the Industrial Revolution. The main gallery features and
changing exhibits and displays, and 31 rooms and two galleries house
a huge display of period items. Talk to kids about the origins of
the United States and some of the events leading up to the
Revolutionary War. Women were instrumental in alerting the nation to
the dubious practice of slavery, and were willing to stand up and be
counted in an era where women in politics were considered to be
immodest, unfeminine and immoral. In spite of this, many ‘female
societies’ in favor of abolition were formed, prompting Fredrick
Douglass to write “when the true history of the anti-slavery cause
shall be written, women will occupy a large space in its pages...”
Talk to your kids about slavery and the role of women during the
Revolutionary War, and how their heightened awareness of the plight
of the Black slave led to the Woman’s Suffrage Movement.
For younger kids, make sure you check out the Family Programs on
their webpage. The programs offered are fun and interesting. Family
Programs are free, but are not offered every weekend and require
reservations. Docents are available for guided tours, or look for
the family guides designed to accompany each exhibition.
Older kids will love the experience learning about those who fought
for freedom, including the contributions of women and slaves. Did
you know that there was a woman who rode faster and further than
Paul Revere did on April 18, 1775 to warn that the British were
coming? Her name was Sybil Ludington, and you will learn all about
her at the DAR Museum. I especially recommend the programs for
Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts, which include craft projects,
genealogical research, and other interactive activities. Call (202)
879-3240 for information and reservations.
-
Ages 5-9: Read “Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?” “Can’t You
Make Them Behave, King George” and other books by Jean Fritz
about the American Revolution.
-
Ages 9-13: Watch the terrific movie musical “1776” about the
signing of the Declaration of Independence (be prepared to
discuss the compromise on slavery). Kids may also enjoy Disney’s
animated “Ben and Me” or the book or movie “Johnny Tremain.”
On the
way there
What can you tell about people by looking at their furniture and
clothing? Why is it important to have a museum that has those kinds
of exhibits? Why do some people think that the role of women has not
been fairly reported by historians? If there was going to be a
museum 200 years from now about our time, what would be in it?
When you get there
Older kids may enjoy wandering through the period rooms sponsored by
DAR members from 33 different states. They will see a wide variety
of furnishing styles ranging from elegant to rustic. All kids will
love the museum’s New Hampshire Toy Attic, filled with antique
dolls, tea sets, toys, and games.
Be sure to leave time for the small gift shop, which has a nice
selection of reasonably priced reproductions and souvenirs.
The DAR Museum
1776 D Street, NW
Washington DC 20006
http://www.dar.org/museum/
Admission: Free to the public.
Time needed one-two hours
Food: Nothing on the premises, but lots of places nearby at Chevy
Chase Pavillion and elsewhere on Wisconsin Avenue
Rest rooms: On site
Baby changing facilities: None
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:00pm, Saturday 9am- 5pm.
Phone number: 202-879-3241
Tips on how to get there: Take the Metro to Farragut West or
Farragut North.
Your kids will really like: The hands-on activities and the toys in
the attic.
|
|
