Educator's Guide: Social Studies: Mementos

Background:

Soldiers and sailors from both sides were often homesick. They would carry with them mementos from home. Often, they were daguerreotype (a type of photo) and personal items like rings or a lucky coin. One sailor on the U.S.S. CAIRO had a small doll's tea set that probably belonged to his daughter or niece.

Methods:

Each student will make a keepsake of the Vicksburg Campaign. The students may want to include their puzzles, maps, activities or postcards and photos of their trip. Have the students pretend they are soldiers or sailors going to war. Have each student bring a memento that would remind them of home and discuss their choice with the class.

Classroom Activities:

• Language Arts
• Social Studies

Grades :

• K-12

Objectives:

Post trip activity to reinforce the battlefield tour

Materials:

Keepsake cover, ribbon or binding material. Personal memento.