INK! Children of the American Revolution learn about exhibit at Independence Hall in Philadelphia

Great Essentials Exhibit

 Children of the American Revolution leader Mrs. Caroline Carlson put on a wonderful interactive power point presentation about the history behind the Great Essentials Exhibit located at  Independence Hall in Philadelphia.  This is the CAR National President’s project.  Through question and answers, with tootsie rolls as a quick prize for the right answer, the members learned about the historical background of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.  Using some great slides, the members explored the importance of the original colonies, the Stamp and Tea acts, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.  They learned that only one person signed all three essential documents found in the exhibit, namely Roger Sherman (1721-1793). 

 CAR members learned that Phillip Syng was an assistant to Ben Franklin.  The Syng Inkstand was used to sign the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution.  It is one of only four things that were present during the signing which is still in existence today.  The other three are the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and George Washington’s chair. The presentation also explained how to make quills from goose feathers and make ink.  For a fun hands on interactive experience, the members made their own ink by mashing fresh blackberries.  The juice from the berries was collected and a little vinegar was added to preserve color and a salt to keep it from spoiling.  Then, using real goose feather quill pens, the members practiced writing as the framers of the Declaration and Constitution would have done.  Calligraphy ink was provided for a comparison.  The kids really enjoyed writing with the quill pens and they quickly realized how difficult writing was in the 18^th Century.