Another day of discovery in the world of Canadian History.
On tour at Gatineau Preservation Centre.
Our morning began with time to work in groups to create a lesson plan based on our trip to the War Museum.
I have spent many hours of my life thus far making lesson plans, and I am sure all educators know the state of starring at a computer screen or a piece of paper, seemingly for hours, hoping for something inspiring to jump out at us. But what an all together different experience to work with like minds where creativity flows into great ideas. The changing role of women in war, comparing recruitment from past and present using WWI poster vs.commercials, and the changing role of war imagery were just some of the treasures that came out of our collaboration to tie war to the concept of Cause and Consequence. I am very much looking forward to Saturday when we will share all of our ideas from the week.
Preservation in action.
Our afternoon was spent at the Gatineau Preservation Centre a rare opportunity to see the hidden treasures of Canada. The building was most impressive - I think Sandi described it best..."A cross between IKEA and a grain bin". How Canadian to be so multi-architectural. [Ed. note: Click here to see the lobby.]
We were able to watch preservationists at work repairing a map from the 1700s, thousands of boxes of archival material keeping safe for future reference and of course the vault housing some of the most famous and infamous portraits and paintings of significance to the Canadian identity, Frances Anne Hopkins and all!