There’s an Elvis Presley song with the lyrics, “A little less conversation, a little more action, please.” The same concept can also apply to learning. You can try to describe something in hundreds of words but it’s often easier to grasp if viewed in person. That’s what makes field trips so special for children. When you think back, field trips probably rank among some of the most memorable occasions from your school years. And since we all could use a break from the classroom sometimes, it can be a great way to get out and help bring children experience what they’re studying—as well as a nice change of scenery for you.
Biblical History Center
When you think of field trip opportunities, the state of Georgia is packed with historical sites, museums, animal encounters and cultural experiences for kids to explore. Among the places in LaGrange, Georgia, one stands out in a unique way: Biblical History Center.
Biblical History Center helps students encounter the ancient world through history and culture. A visit here is like being transported to another place and time. It’s also one of only eight museums in the world to have been entrusted a long-term collection of antiquities on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority, including a 5,000-year-old game board and oil lamps used by early Christians. This puts the center on par with the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Biblical History Center is much more than a museum. The founder, Dr. Jim Fleming, spent nearly 40 years in Israel taking part in archaeological excavations so children can learn what it’s like to work on a dig site. Four areas of ancient life are also represented on the grounds. There are tents set up so you can experience the nomadic life of Bedouin shepherds, as well as the life of the farmer, village life and a Roman theater. The center boasts 23 life-size replicas of artifacts from daily life, such as a wine press, water wheel, millstone and tombs.
The center features several hands-on opportunities to make your trip even more meaningful. Imagine sitting in a shepherd’s goat hair tent and learning to make pita bread on an open fire and butter to top it, just like people did thousands of years ago. Or maybe you’ve been curious about what foods were served at The Last Supper? There are two rooms where you can recline at the table and enjoy a four-course Biblical meal reminiscent of First Century culture. The rooms are based on one discovered in Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. You’ll learn about ancient meal practices and traditions including Passover and The Last Supper.
Legacy Museum on Main
There’s nothing like a trip to the museum to nurture a love of history in children. The Legacy Museum on Main in downtown LaGrange is more than a place to browse exhibits; it’s a vibrant canvas where the past comes alive, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an enriching and entertaining exploration of West Georgia’s heritage.
Ancient artifacts, including a soapstone bowl dating back 11,000 years, create a tangible bridge between the present and the distant past. Kids can marvel at the tools and treasures of those who walked these lands centuries ago, fostering a curiosity about the roots of West Georgia.
The gallery doesn’t stop there; it unfolds the industrial tapestry of LaGrange with exhibits dedicated to the city’s textile and railroad history. Children can practically touch the history that shaped the community, making the learning experience both engaging and educational.
As families navigate the museum’s halls, children are bound to be captivated by the remarkable artifacts that punctuate the narrative.
- The World’s Oldest Cotton Bale: Imagine the excitement in a child’s eyes as they gaze upon the world’s oldest cotton bale, a relic that once stood at the grandeur of the 1904 World’s Fair. This tangible link to the past sparks their imagination and offers a unique glimpse into historical events.
- A Piece of the World Trade Center: For kids growing up in a world shaped by post-9/11 realities, discovering a piece of the World Trade Center is a powerful moment. It provides an opportunity for parents and educators to engage in meaningful conversations about history, resilience, and the human spirit.
Explore the Legacy Museum on Main and help bring history to life for kids! For those seeking more historical adventures, LaGrange has plenty to explore, including Hills & Dales Estate, the historic home of Fuller E. Callaway and family, Bellevue Mansion, which once played host to Jefferson Davis, and the Callaway Memorial Tower, a beautiful landmark designed after St Mark’s Campanile in Venice, Italy!
