A student takes notes at the Basque display at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center. Photo special to The R-C by Robin Sarantos
From artifact bingo to wonderful exhibits, what a delightful way to instill our love for historical values and a great respect for those settling this special valley so long ago. Wednesday brought an energetic, very polite group of 19 third graders to the museum.
The youngsters’ curriculum in line with Tahoe Expedition Academy - under teacher Colleen Carr - was on Westward Expansion. The group of 7-, 8- and 9-year-olds knew their history well.
Their questions were poignant and their statements on Carson Valley insightful for such a young group. Carr had taught them well.
With lead docent volunteer Kay Kocian, and new docents in training Carmen Stolte, and Tony and Ginger Peacock, the children toured every nook and cranny of the museum while asking questions, pointing out objects and taking notes on their clipboards.
Many of the young students, when seeing the numerous items on display, were quick to point out, “Oh, my grandma has that, “ or “My grandpa has an old tractor sitting in his yard that looks like that!” Touring the special Washo display room was a highlight when one little boy said he was part Native American.
They studied the arrowheads in detail and marveled at the beautiful baskets. The teacher had taught them about the winter house on display, and they were aware that it’s a Gal-Is-Dungal.
The third graders were articulate, and the docents were delighted with such a thoughtful group.
There was definitely a passion for history that Carr had instilled in her young charges. The future looks bright for America with youth like these.
