Frederick Douglass/Abraham Lincoln Continued...



We finished the story about Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass and we read a few more stories about these two great men. We also enjoyed a visit to our nation's capital to remember these men, and the legacy they leave behind.
We enjoyed this story about Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

We learned that after Lincoln's death, Mary Todd Lincoln gave Douglass a walking stick from the president. Douglass moved to Washington D.C. years later to work for the United states Government. His home in D.C. (Anacostia) is now run by the National Parks Department, and is open for visitors.
Since we were already planning a trip down to Ford's Theatre, and Lincoln Memorial, I decided we should see Frederick Douglass' home, Cedar Hill, as well.  In the visitor center at Cedar Hill the cane given by Mary Todd Lincoln to Frederick Douglass is on display.
It was a lovely visit down to Washington D.C. Not only did we enjoy our historical sights, we got to see them with our cousins and Nana! So fun! If you are planning a trip to Ford's Theatre in the summer, here are a few words of advice: Order your tickets ahead (it was packed!), attend a tour that includes the ranger talk. The ranger talk was the best part! So dramatic, and informative. It was also pretty graphic. I hope my children are not scarred for life from the disturbing images of slavery, and the graphic detail of Lincoln's death that we encountered this weekend. It's hard to know what is sinking in and what is going over their heads.
Anyway, we are also officially finished with the school year!!!! Yay!!! It took us a little longer than I expected, but it wasn't too painful to continue into June with classes.
We will still continue reading, learning about the Civil War and our fun subjects, (Latin, Spanish and Piano)  I don't feel the pressure to log every title, and keep strict to times and quantity of work. I feel that life is learning, and no matter what season learning and acquiring new skills continues. However, I need a break from "formal" school days, and I think the children do too.

In other news, Tristan had a birthday! Two weeks ago, amid finishing school work and kicking off Summer, we hosted a family baseball game in honor of Tristan! Yes, that means we enjoyed two weekends back to back of cousin/grandparent fun! We are excited to see what this year holds for T.

Ford's Theatre where Lincoln was attacked.
Lincoln Memorial (View from base of Washington Monument)

Frederick Douglass (My new all-time hero) and Abraham Lincoln (Our hero for this summer)

The view of DC from Douglass' home. See the Capital and Washington Monument. Trees blocked anything else on either side of those, otherwise would have been a beautiful Panorama. I'm imagining the trees were smaller back in 1880 and the view that much better. Not to mention Anacostia didn't exist back then. I think it was called Uniontown? Anyway, neat view.  


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