Day 3 Study in Contrasts

Our third day proved a study in contrast for our students as we moved from battle and political sites of memory to a moving museums.  Our first stop was the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, Georgia. This fabulous museum that I was able to visit a few years back as part of my fellowship journeys is stunning and very interactive. Our group met an active duty Army Infantry Captain in Civil War era uniform and then made their way through the many exhibits and dioramas.  They experienced simulators and saw uniforms.  The museum is a wonderful concept on the part of the military; it invites new soldiers who are completing basic training and their families to view the exhibits so that family members can learn about a soldiers' life. The museum grounds also hold the parade grounds for graduations.

I was excited to see that many more unit memorials have been added to the memorial walk!  I photographed all of the new memorials to add to my online database. I will be back in 2020 when the new armored museum opens!

From this museum we headed to Andersonville National Historic Site. Ranger Charles Barr led us on a tour of the prison site and provided students with a feel for the life of the prisoners held there during the Civil War. Massive overcrowding and poor rations led to the deaths of more than 13,000 of them.  After then touring the POW Museum we entered the National Cemetery at the site.  We gave the students worksheets to complete in the cemetery focusing on the state memorials located within its grounds.  They really enjoyed the group work and having questions to help them focus. 

I always find this site so moving and the closely stacked headstones create a see of marble that is in stark contrast to battle fields.  We had a very lively discussion on our bus ride after the cemetery.  This day was so different form the first 2 for the students and they began to truly compare/contrast the places they had visited.  You could see their minds whirling and their critical thinking skills blossoming. It was a good day!

We arrived into Atlanta for the next two evenings and half way through our journey.