Building Racine--The Small Motor Capital of the World--A 5 part series
(Each topic is a 1 hour program)
**These programs can be taught as a series OR individually
1. Native Americans -- The Potawatomi were the Native Americans who lived in our area about 200 years ago. They passed down their history through an oral language or the Algonquin language. This program gives an overview of how these Native Americans learned and carried on their history.
2. Early Immigrants -- When the government created treaties that removed the Indians, immigrants from as far as Europe found their way on the shores of this land. The founder, Gilbert Knapp, named this beautiful land, “Port Gilbert” and later it was renamed “Racine” (meaning root river). Take a look into the lives of these first settlers and the tools, crafts, and ethnic cultures they brought with them. Featured topics: Mitchell, Horlick, Case, Secor, Bohemian Schoolhouse.
3. Invention City -- This is one of our most popular segments. With the turn of the century, motors replaced hand power while electricity replaced gas. From the start of Hamilton-Beach, Andis Clippers, Dremel, Insinkerator, Twin Disc and many, many more, this segment looks into the development of what made Racine the “Small Motor Capital of the World!”.
4. Maritime -- Our waters are an important reason for the success of Racine. Gilbert Knapp praised the root river and the opening into Lake Michigan as an asset for a boat industry and transportation for our city. Investigate the reasons for the lighthouses on our waterfront (all 44 of them... shipwrecks that is) and the stories behind them. Featured topics: Racine Boat Manufacturing Company, Kate Kelly, Eastland, Christmas Tree Ship, Racine Lighthouses.
5. Social Racine: 1900-1960s -- While the industrial avenues of Racine were booming so were the social issues. This segment covers the fight for equality from women to African Americans, the impact of WWII on our local businesses, the formation of the drum and bugle corps, and the entertainment connection between Western Publishing and the Racine Belles.
Marvelous Mummies
Who is Mr. Horlick and why did he have a mummy in his office? Are the Egyptians the only people that made mummies? Why are mummies made? These questions and many more will be answered. The activities included are: “What’s in the Box?” (using deductive reasoning), Mummy wrapping game, and a dummy mummy treat.
(30- 45 minute program)
Books and Belles
This program is based on Dirt on their Skirts written by Doreen Rappaport and Lyndall Callan. Filled with role play and interactive activities, students learn how Western Publishing and the Racine Belles were connected.
(30- 45 minute program)
Books and Belles II
This program incorporates our 2 D and 3 D collection of artifacts and gives a visual presentation of the beginnings of Western Publishing, the impact it had on the community and the nation, and its involvement with the Racine Women’s Baseball Team in the 1940’s. This is a great way to dip into history using pictures, publications, and artifacts.
(45 minutes - 1 hour program)
The Underground Adventure
Joshua Glover escaped from his master in Missouri in 1852 and became a member of the Racine County Community for two years before being captured. Look into his life as an escaped man and how the Racine community joined together to free him. This event led to national attention as the State of Wisconsin fought against the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Besides the exciting Racine story, this program has the participants take on a slave identity and play the RHM’s Underground Railroad Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Game.
(30 - 45 minute program)