Three copies of the Colonial America/Revolutionary War kit are available for checkout. Each kit is one complete unit, adaptable for grades 3 to 8. Included in the kit are integrated lessons outlined in the teacher's guide, images, and artifacts that have been carefully selected to acquaint students with primary sources. Below are some images and labels about some of the artifacts in this kit.
Jacob's Ladder
This simple folk toy is made of a series of wooden blocks linked together with ribbon. The blocks hinge against each other to create the illusion of tumbling down. This toy is named for a dram that Jacob had in the story of Jacob and Esau (the sons of Isaac) which is found in the Bible in Genesis 28:12. To use the toy, hold the top block by the edges and allow the rest of the blocks to hang down. Tip the block over and lay it against the second block to trigger the tumbling action. By repeating this action, one sends ripples of click-clacking blocks down the ladder. The blocks can be laid on their sides and spread out to form letters of the alphabet or numbers. Like a magician, a child can place a folded one dollar bill behind one of the ribbons on the blocks. The bill will appear and disappear as Jacob's Ladder tumbles down.
Embroidery Hoop
In the eighteenth century all clothing was sewn by hand. At an early age girls began practicing both plain sewing and more elaborate needlework. Many girls began making samplers of their needlework as early as age 7. Older girls made fancier samplers, demonstrating their skills with more complicated designs and difficult stitches. A simple embroidery hoop would keep the linen firm and tight while they worked. It was common practice for girls to work on the household linens and quilts which they would take with them when they married and set up their own households.
Revere Lantern
This is an 18th century style Revere Lantern of pierced tin. This would have been an all-purpoe outdoor lantern and would have been used much like we would use a flashlight today. It was designed to protect the candle from the elements. As you can see, the holes were not just punched at random. Rather, a deocrative design was worked into the tin.
