Museum Week 2
I’d like to say that Museum Week was birthed from a moment of classical educational genius, but actually, on a Sunday night last February, it came to being as I sat in a heap on our well loved, well worn couch, mourning the beginning of Monday’s routine. As the idea of Museum Week slipped through my mind, I quickly perked up, straightened my back and grabbed my computer to start clicking around town. A whole week of school has never been cancelled so fast. Energy renewed. Mourned no more.
It was a no brainer to schedule it this year. Because of a couple of other things going on last week, we didn’t get to everywhere I was hoping. We stayed close to home which is, in my opinion, a really great option. Just another reason I love Fort Worth.
One hitch was that I forgot about President’s Day (Sorry, Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Washington- my kids think you two are amazing but I am not great on remembering birthdays) and I didn’t remember their special day until we pulled up to the only museum opened on Mondays, the Science and History Museum, and found a very full parking lot. It was Engineer's Week. Thankfully, it’s a big place.
(EVERYday, I forgot my real camera. Excuse the quality here, but it’s all I’ve got.)
Wednesday, we tried out The Texas Civil War Museum on the outskirts of town. I was amazed by all the displays and how they organized the North and South paraphernalia on their respective sides of the building. Growing up in Georgia, a state with a rich history of its own, I know little about Texas history, but have always been intrigued by their audacity and their bravery. One of the favorite quotes I saw was by General Robert E. Lee, “Alabama soldiers, all I ask of you is to keep up with the Texans.”
A few days before, we reviewed parts of the Civil War through some of our favorite picture books which spurred on some thoughts of injustice for Brighton. During “mom check” one night, I found these “thoughts” on his bed.
Friday we met about twenty of our favorite friends in Sundance Square at The Sid Richardson Museum which houses "one of the finest and most focused collections of Western art in America". Even though it may be my favorite museum in town, this trip was marred by Brighton’s evidently uncontainable enthusiasm causing him to enter the door, which was being held by our lady curator, in a DIVING ROLL. Yes, a diving roll, right into the feet of all his friends. THREE mornings, I had reviewed “museum manners” before we entered different places and by the fourth morning, I figured I would just sound like a Peanut parent, so I skipped the speech. Diving roll. As my hand clenched his bicep outside the door, he said, “But Mom, I am just so excited.” And you think I am a sucker for buying it.
After time in the gallery, we learned about the purpose of bandanas and branding. We were taught how to read different brands and the kids made up their own and designed their bandana.
It was a no brainer to schedule it this year. Because of a couple of other things going on last week, we didn’t get to everywhere I was hoping. We stayed close to home which is, in my opinion, a really great option. Just another reason I love Fort Worth.
One hitch was that I forgot about President’s Day (Sorry, Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Washington- my kids think you two are amazing but I am not great on remembering birthdays) and I didn’t remember their special day until we pulled up to the only museum opened on Mondays, the Science and History Museum, and found a very full parking lot. It was Engineer's Week. Thankfully, it’s a big place.
(EVERYday, I forgot my real camera. Excuse the quality here, but it’s all I’ve got.)
Configuring the SLOWEST route possible...
Making a movie with rubber stars
Creations from the Paper Studio
Wednesday, we tried out The Texas Civil War Museum on the outskirts of town. I was amazed by all the displays and how they organized the North and South paraphernalia on their respective sides of the building. Growing up in Georgia, a state with a rich history of its own, I know little about Texas history, but have always been intrigued by their audacity and their bravery. One of the favorite quotes I saw was by General Robert E. Lee, “Alabama soldiers, all I ask of you is to keep up with the Texans.”
The owner's gave out a pretty detailed scavenger hunt. Prizes always motivate a boy's interest in really old things.
He had a plan for that cannon.
And because she couldn't take home the ball gown, she settled for this:
A few days before, we reviewed parts of the Civil War through some of our favorite picture books which spurred on some thoughts of injustice for Brighton. During “mom check” one night, I found these “thoughts” on his bed.
The wrinkles in the covers lead you right to a very darling, thoughtful little boy.
Thursday afternoon, we spent some time in the Kimbell enjoying their permanent collection which is astounding to me for a museum in “Cowtown” -- Duccio, Fra Angelico, Pisarro, Caravaggio, Poussin, Velázquez, Bernini, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Cézanne, Picasso, Mondrian, and Matisse -- yeah, I know, a gift down the street.
Friday we met about twenty of our favorite friends in Sundance Square at The Sid Richardson Museum which houses "one of the finest and most focused collections of Western art in America". Even though it may be my favorite museum in town, this trip was marred by Brighton’s evidently uncontainable enthusiasm causing him to enter the door, which was being held by our lady curator, in a DIVING ROLL. Yes, a diving roll, right into the feet of all his friends. THREE mornings, I had reviewed “museum manners” before we entered different places and by the fourth morning, I figured I would just sound like a Peanut parent, so I skipped the speech. Diving roll. As my hand clenched his bicep outside the door, he said, “But Mom, I am just so excited.” And you think I am a sucker for buying it.
After time in the gallery, we learned about the purpose of bandanas and branding. We were taught how to read different brands and the kids made up their own and designed their bandana.
Next year, I hope to venture a little farther from home.
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