The rafters of the Mattapoisett Museum rang with excitement when Center School’s curious and eager 1st graders visited. Welcomed by Curator Connor Gaudet, they quickly settled in their seats and were ready to learn about Mattapoisett’s past.
Gaudet showed the attentive first graders two rocks to explain what an artifact was. He explained that a rock found in nature was not an artifact because it was unaltered by human hands. Then he held up a rock that had been fashioned into an ax head. He pointed out that the rock had been shaped into a tool that helped Indigenous peoples do work – and that made this rock an artifact. Gaudet pointed out that every object, or artifact, in the Museum was from a place or a person living in Mattapoisett.
Next, Education Committee member, Gail Roberts, described the artifact “seek and find” activity that would introduce them to many of the Museum’s artifacts. Each child received a sheet with photos of several artifacts. Every time they found one of the artifacts, they put a star sticker on it. The students were grouped for easier access to artifacts and led by Education members Katherine Gaudet, Robbin Smith, Pauline Hamel and Gail Roberts.
As eagle-eyed students respectfully explored the Museum, they asked questions about objects they viewed. Among their favorites were the first Mattapoisett fire engine. They were amazed that fires were put out with buckets of water as well as just one hose. They also loved the old phone with the rotary dial and “cradle” for the handset. After finding all their artifacts, students head back to wrap up.
Using a Powerpoint, Gaudet showed different artifacts and asked questions. How is this artifact the same as today’s object? How is it different? What has changed? Their answers were thoughtful and astute.
The Education Committee and Connor Gaudet look forward to hosting more school groups in the future.