First State: A Young National Park!

While planning our October itinerary for the National Parks, my husband sent me a text about the National Park in Delaware. I didn't even know that Delaware had their own National Park. I did a little research, reached out to the park, and found out that the First State National Historical Park contained a wealth of goodness. We conversed with Ranger Lorin and Ranger Samantha for about three weeks- discussing the STEM that could be found there. We were so pleased to find so many interesting things in the park. First State actually consists of 7 different sites from Northern Delaware to Southern Delaware. Each site tells the story of the state- a family scrapbook, if you will. 

We met Lorin and Samantha at the Old Swedes Historic Site- According to the nps.gov website: "In 1699, Swedish and Finnish settlers finished building what is now called the Old Swedes Church in Wilmington, Delaware, and just a short walk from Fort Christina. Much of the original church stands today and is celebrated as the oldest church in America still used for worship.The church has preserved records of life of early settlers and many are buried at the graveyard on site." 

Our topic of STEM for the virtual field trip was to be about the 19th Amendment. Did you know that Delaware was the first state to ratify the constitution but the last state to ratify the 19th Amendment? Many suffragettes fought for the right for women to vote- even to the detriment of their health and losing their family's support. We hope that the students who watch this virtual field trip will be inspired to stand up for what they believe in. Way to go First State! We are definitely a fan!

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