The Asher Benjamin Architectural Model is an exciting new educational tool being offered to schools, libraries, museums and community organizations by Historic Windsor, Inc. as the latest step in HWl's 18-year program for historic preservation in New England.
Two years in the making, the model is an authentic scale-copy of the Dudley Chase mansion, built in 1803 to an Asher Benjamin design, and still standing in Randolph Center, Vermont.
The model is decorated and furnished in exquisite detail with miniature draperies, wallpaper, rugs, utensils and furniture, much of it handmade and all appropriate to the period.
When delivered, the model is complete with display
tables (measuring 36 sq. ft. ) on which the model sits, as well as extra
pieces of miniature furniture textiles and building materials for hands-on
study, anc I eight comprehensive resource books containing informa tion
on customs, architecture, music, transportation laws, occupations, tools,
food, clothing and othe activities of daily life in New England during
the Federal Period (1790-1840).
Resource Books
The illustrated books, complied by a committee of teachers, are geared to classroom use from kinder garten through high school, as well as to adult studies. They include a volume of suggested classroom and field trip activities for various ages. For example:
"Historic building detective" trips to old local buildings for discovery of various styles in windows, porches, entryways, rooflines, ornamentation, etc.;
Patterns and/or instructions for clothes, needlework, toys like tops and whistles, familiar and unfamiliar games, all popular among children of the Federal Period;
And for older students, suggested comparative
class discussion topics ranging from deportment, discipline and teaching
methods in school, to manners, law, government, and crime and punishment
in society.
The Asher Benjamin Architectural Model is now
ready for use. It can be scheduled by schools, libraries and other local
groups or institutions either separately, or in concert -- as when a school
and an historical society join for its use and display in a museum or community
hall.
Cost and Funding
The cost for the Model's transportation and use
is $175 for one week, $225 for two weeks. If necessary, local service clubs,
parent/teacher groups, women's clubs or other charitable groups should
be asked to help with the funding. This is a worthwhile project for any
community.
Advance Workshop
When the model is delivered, it can be followed
up by a trained HWI docent who will conduct a workshop for teachers, historians
or others designated to oversee its use. Protection for the model will
be requested -- it should be locked away when not under supervision by
responsible persons.
Scheduling
All scheduling is handled through Historic
Windsor, Inc. Those interested should write or telephone:
Judy Hayward
Asher Benjamin Architectural Model
c/o Historic Windsor, Inc.
P.O. Box 1777
Windsor, Vt. 05089
Phone: 1 (802) 674-6752