1. Introduction to Town Government
Introductory activity about the purpose and responsibilities of town government.
2. Town Government
Use a primary source document to determine the role of local government in early nineteenth-century Massachusetts towns.
3. Town Meeting
Use an 1834 town warrant to gather historical evidence and to familiarize students with an actual warrant.
4. Poor Relief
Explore the issue of poor relief in early nineteenth-century New England in prepartion for a mock town meeting.
5. Poor Farm Issue
Students research methods of poor relief in preparation for a mock town meeting.
6. Field Study: Town Meeting at Old
Classroom preparation for a mock town meeting at Old Sturbridge Village.
7. Post Visit Activity
A follow-up activity to field study at Old Sturbridge Village.