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From Independence to the French Heritage Area

By Richard Edwards, Education Director
National Frontier Trails Museum, Independence

Dear Michael,

I just wanted to share some thoughts about the teacher seminar we conducted June 12-14, 2009. "Mes Amis les Habitants: Exploring Missouri's French Heritage" was, in my opinion, one of the best seminars we have ever offered during the past five years. The subject was fascinating, and the itinerary we finalized was absolutely wonderful, touching on every aspect of French Creole society and culture. Although we planned everything out months in advance knowing we were lining up some of the best sites and presenters possible, the consistent high quality of what the group experienced was extremely impressive, and exceeded my expectations. The people of that region are so very gracious and hospitable. The sites on both sides of the river are truly very well done. Thank you so much for getting me to focus my attention on this area. I think I learned as much as the participants. I will provide more details in my final report.

The participants thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience, from Cahokia Mounds to the Bonne Terre Mine in French Mine Country. We are already getting some very interesting lesson plans from some of the more ambitious ones. We will make these available here at the museum in our circulating file we have accumulated over the years. None of the participants really knew anything at all about this era of Missouri's past - isn't that remarkable? I think it would be a great idea if one of the non-profit support groups associated with a museum there in Ste. Genevieve would develop a teacher seminar that accomplished what we did, but offered on a regular basis. I am confident that teachers from other parts of the state would find it worthwhile. I would be pleased to offer our plan as a template as a starting point.

Rear of the Bolduc HouseI have taken the liberty of attaching a few pictures of our weekend. This is the rear of the Bolduc House in Ste. Genevieve. You can see the bare ground, which was a "fire break" in colonial times to prevent the spread of any fires that broke out in the external kitchen. The wall of the kitchen is on the right side of the picture.

We are gearing up for our second MHC funded seminar to be held in July. Last week, after "Mes Amis", we taught another class on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It has been a very busy summer.

Thank you again for all your support. It has been an honor and privilege to have collaborated worked with you and MHC in the development and implementation of such great teaching and learning opportunities.

--Richard

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