Historic Speedwell - home of the telegraph

Ashley and I took the first of our summer field trips to Morristown. I say the first because Morristown, NJ is very rich in American history, which makes a lot of sense since Washington spent a winter with his troops in Morristown.


This trip, though, was to Historic Speedwell.

Back in May when we went to New Jersey History we collected fliers about different historic sites in NJ. One of the first booths we visited was Historic Speedwell. The person manning the booth told Ashley about their summer programs where kids could learn about electricity. Ashley's eyes lit up just hearing about this program. When the summer started Ashley kept asking about this program -- when are we going? Why can't we go now? I planned our visit to coincide with the first of the special Wednesday programs. As friends asked for playdates that day, Ashley kept reminding me we were going to Speedwell on Wednesday.

With all this build up, I was afraid she might be disappointed. After all, we chose the hottest and most humid day of the year to go. It is a long drive from home (about 75 minutes). Fortunately she loved it!

She loved learning about electricity. We tried different experiments -- such as using a lemon and some wire, using coins and vinegar, and an experiment using a telegraph machine. Our results were much the same as when Ashley did her science experiment this past winter -- the light did not light.

Even with the oppressive heat and humidity, and the long drive, and the light not illuminating, Ashley still had a great time and wants to go back. She loves doing experiments and questioning the "what if."

http://www.morrisparks.net/speedwell/home.html