National Archives-July 2009

A friend from Nebraska saw my husband and me this morning, and asked if we would like to take a private tour of the National Archives while in Washington, D.C. this afternoon. It seemed like an opportunity that we could not pass up, and after contemplation, we decided to call him back. It was a wonderful decision!

Upon arriving at the National Archives building, we were greeted by a complete stranger, Mr. David Rosenbaum, who had previously worked on some distance learning activities with the friend who invited us to Mr. Rosenbaum's tour.

Mr. Rosenbaum became a very familiar and likable guide on our journey. He was sincere, warm, and shared of his passion for the Cornhuskers. We knew he was someone that was a stranger no longer--especially when he shared that he had been a teacher in Nebraska for 27 years, prior to his tenure of two years at the National Archives.

David got us through security and briefed us a bit on what we would happen upon in our tour. He was delibrate, and so very thoughtful in preparing us for the exciting things we could stumble upon. He also enlightened us on his duties of educating teachers and students about the incredible impact that the Archives can offer, and went on to share the Archive's enormous role in preserving U.S. history.

After a ton of questions that we asked of David, we began our tour of the archives. We began as archivers, dressed in lab coats and white gloves in a room where students are allowed to simulate problem solving issues in the National Archives. The power behind this activity has been shown to be an incredible experience for teachers and students alike. I wish we would have had the time to share in this experience with kids, or fellow teachers!

We then went to view the Magna Carta. David shared this history of the National Archives acquiring the Magna Carta document through a generous donation. It was well-preserved, even though it was over 700 years old! To be RIGHT there, looking at this document was overwhelming.

Those goosebumps only intensified as we went into the Rotunda, which houses the original Declaration of Independence, Articles of the Constitution, as well as the Bill of Rights and many other historical documents. Sadly, the Declaration of Independence is quite weathered. It was extremely difficult to view, although I could certainly make out John Hancock's name! The powerful energy in that room was humbling. I shall not forget this experience any time soon!

Towards the end of our tour, David shared the public archives with us, noting significant details and stories like a true historian would. He was a story teller throughout the entire day. I can't wait to show teachers some of the things that he has been working on, and continues to be a part of in his role as an educational specialist for the Archives.

I invite you to check out the following sites for your perusal, for your student and professional needs:

http://www.digitalvaults.org

http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons

http://delicious.com/NationalArchivesEducation