Fanning the Flames

So I think I have learned the rule in the buisness world: Fanning the flames is something that interns do everyday to keep things running smoothly. This week was no exception to that rule!

Thursday I spent most of my time "fanning the flames". This is intern lingo for running around fixing little things and keeping things running smoothly.First, I learned and then mastered the computer graphic design program, InDesign by creating a booklet/scavenger huunt for the Polar Exploration Family Day on Saturday. At first I wanted to throw the computer out the window because I was so frustrated with the program, but after a few hours I had my booklet completed! There were more computer issues too with a few letters that I was editing, but "fanning the flames" on that one turned out successful as I tracked down IT and got the computer fixed and the letters finished.

Friday I was in the lab all day fanning more flames and figuring out more problems.The morning session went very well, with only one computer mishap, but the afternoon was no so smooth. Our second lab group showed up a half hour late, and then only came with 6 of the 22 students we were expecting. Missing one or two people is not really and issue, but the lab is supposed to have a minimum of 18 students, not 6. This left us scrambling as we tried to adjust it to not only fit the numbers we had, but the students (they were preparing for the national competition of We the People). It actually turned out well; the students understood our main message and now know how to doing primary source analysis on historical documents.

By the time Saturday rolled around, I was tired. But, it was Polar Exploration Family Day and all of my work this week was about to pay off. It turns out that it went really well. The kids loved all the pictures that we found of Robert Peary going to the North Pole, especially the penguin pictures! I also headed up story time throughout the afternoon with a tale about Peary's daughter Marie, who spent much of her childhood in the Arctic. The Resource Room was a busy place all afternoon, as it should be, and many of the parents had no idea that this resource was available to them. Hopefully some of them will return in the future, with their children, to learn more about history.

Today one of my best friends from Wadena, Melissa, is coming in for a few days to look at some graduate schools. We're heading out to the monuments this afternoon- it is going to be so nice to have some old friends out here!

Conquering New Heights

I apologize for this being a later than normal blog post. While it seems like it had been a normal week, it has gone by fast.

Monday was the quietest day of the week. I spent most of my day in the ReSource Room helping out a bunch of families find World War II records (which were really popular for some reason) and writing lesson plans for the two activities the Duke group participated in the previous week. This is my first time writing out official lesson plans, which is a bit nerve-wracking, but after a lot of review on the formatting of them, and developing my content to fit this template, they are in the process of review.

Tuesday I was out at Archives II for a full day!! No snow in the way this time! Most of my day was spent back in Stack 350, working on the Brazilian Embassy records. After working on this for three weeks, I am able to figure out what city is on the coast and what city is in the jungle based on how much mold there is on the records! I wish I could take some photos of the stack area and some of the records I work with, but it would be compromising the preservation of the records. It's funny, some of the archivists who have been back in these records before have actually left little notes on the boxes warning people about the deterioration of the records. This is precisely why I am working on this, to save these one-of-a-kind documents before they are destroyed forever.

When I wasn't working with these records or any of my other duties as an intern, I have been developing a scavenger hunt for Saturday, which is a Polar Exploration Family day. After two days, I have the entire thing completed! It took quite a fight with Adobe InDesign, but the booklet is complete and ready for young ones to come and explore. I was a little nervous diving right into this project, since I was basically on my own with this one, but I am hopeful that it will turn out to be a success.

Wednesdays' field trip marked the beginning of the museum extravaganza! Our first stop in this was the Museum of Crime and Punishment, a new museum on the Washington DC scene. It was very different and good in terms of content, but the display methods were not totally to my liking. (This is just something that comes out of studying museums, you just pick up on little things.) A few exhibits were on the Old West, the Mob, cold cases, and they even had a full CSI lab. There was also some interactive stations that included a SWAT team simulation and a polygraph test. Once again, very cool content! Next week is a totally different museum, the Holocaust Museum, which should be very somber experience.

Duke and Georgetown

Well the Duke group on Friday was a success!! There were a few glitches here and there , but overall it went smoothly. Let me start back at the beginning.

Friday was a very crazy day: I had the Duke kids coming in the afternoon, and my first student lab in the morning. The lab went great too! For those of you who are not familiar with it, it is a two hour workshop that students from 5th grade through 12the grade come in to do some in-depth analysis and digging about the Constitution and how it affects their everyday lives. They get a mission from Bob, the White House press secretary who needs information for a campaign on the Constitution in Action. The kids then spent most of their time looking through documents housed at the Archives to find ways that different parts of the Constitution are used everyday. They also look at how certain ideas from the Constitution (like representative government, checks and balances, enumerated powers) are written into the Constitution and then used in these documents. Once they choose one that fits their guidelines best, they create a script and send a message back to Bob about the Constitution in Action, which becomes a part of the press conference material he uses in the end. In addition to all of this, the students learn a little bit about how the National Archives works, and what sorts of research they can do here. Their environment is set up like the reading room in the Archives is, and some of the students even get to don lab coats and go back into a mock-stack area to retrieve the records they will be using. They trip ends then with a quick visit to the Rotunda, where they students get to see the actual documents they have spent all this time working with. It's really a neat experience for all of them, and I really enjoyed helping the students find the right records and then figuring out how they apply. Here is the website if you want more information at all: http://archives.gov/nae/visit/learning-center/learning-center-lab.html

My afternoon then was completely dedicated to the Duke group. Just before they showed up, Missy and I ran into a huge problem with one of the records we were going to use: the VHS tape would not work. Luckily I thought quickly on my feet and looked it up on YouTube, where it was! We ended up using it as a teaching moment; there are many social media places on the internet that can be used for historical research!

The group came right on time, (which is a feat around here) and spent a lot of time in the rotunda learning about the Archives and the documents we have here. I was so relieved that they liked this historical aspects of the Archives; I was worried that they would think it's boring! We then took a stop into the Public Vaults and then it was off to the ReSource Room. The Archivist, David Ferraro (yes , the actual one!) stopped in to introduce himself and thank Missy and I for the work we have done on this project. By this point we were running a bit short on time, so we got right into the stations that we had spent so much time working on. In the end, we only got through two stations, and even then the students seemed liked they felt a little rushed. They did enjoy them though and got the point that there are many scientific resource here, not just historical ones. Their teachers were very appreciative too of all we had done to accommodate them, and the students were very polite and thankful for the program we had made for them. Even my boss was impressed with all the work I had put into all of this, including the last minute technology glitch. It was a great day. :)

Yesterday I spent a lot of time outside, since it was fantastic out! (As I write this, it's 50 and sunny out-there is even patches of green grass!) I went to the Navy Memorial for a volunteer meeting for the DC International Film Festival that's coming up. Once that was over, I went down to the shops at Georgetown with a few friends for some vintage clothing shopping. We only found one shop, but we went into some crazy expensive stores! I also found Georgetown Cupcake, which is supposed to be fantastic and has a show coming up on TLC.

Next week is looking like more research time for me, as well as more labs. As we get into the tourist season (which starts in just a few weeks) the Archives is getting ready for the thousands of people that will walk into their doors to see their government's most basic workings. Should be interesting...

This is one of the letters the students look at while in the lab. It's a pretty funny presidential letter actually!

Georgetown Cupcakes!

Some of the shops at Georgetown

Grease Lightning!

So I know that the title of this blog is completely dedicated to the musical Grease, which does have a part in this. But is also is partially talking about the federal government getting back into the gears of a normal workday. Almost two weeks after the first snowflakes, things are still not back to what they were. The metro is so over-packed that you're lucky if you get on the first train, and even more lucky if the train doesn't break down. I was not so lucky this morning, but that's life for you.

The Archives also needs some "Grease" to get back on track. I spent most of Tuesday (since Monday was President's Day) rescheduling appointments and presentations, while at the same time preparing for the VIP group coming at the end of the week. There was one group of teachers in for professional development that made it in. It was the first time that I was able to get into the Learning Lab with actual people! Even though it was a modified lab, it was such a great experience; I am looking forward to tomorrow's lab when we have actual students!!

Wednesday was a night out on the town for the LCWS students. We went to Grease on Broadway at the National Theater. It was awesome! The cast was full of American Idol alumni, including Ace Young and Taylor Hicks. I have a few pictures from the play below. I have been aGrease fan since I was young, so it was great being able to sing along to the songs. Taylor even did an encore solo presentation! I will say that I was a bit tired this morning going into work, but it was totally worth it.

Tomorrow is the big day- the Duke group is coming, and we will finally get to see if all of our planning was worth it. It's also my shot to prove myself as a contributing staff member; I hope all goes well! Wish me luck!

Encore concert by Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel- He cam out of an ice cream cone!

Everyone is so into their programs!

Summer Nights

Grease Lightning!! :)

Museum Mania!

This weekend has been a whirlwind of museums! I managed to fit five different stops in two days!

Saturday: Natural History Museum and Smithsonian Castle

The Natural History Museum was crazy on Saturday! I guess it might be from the pent up feeling those living around Washington have had in the past week. The museum is definately one of my favorites so far- I feel like I'm betraying my fellow American history buffs on this one, but it's truly a great place. There's the hall of Mammals, Ocean Hall, Dinosaur Hall, and rows upon rows of jewels, rocks, and gems. I was able to snap shots of a few pictures within these exhibits, but they are just something else in person. The castle is a bit more of a visitor center, but there were a few exhibits that show the highlights of all 19 museums the Smithsonian runs.

Sunday: The National Museum of the American Indian, The US Botanical Gardens, and the Freer gallery of Art

The American Indian Museum is the newest on the mall, and is completely different than any other one I have been in. Tribes from all over North and South America planned the musuem, allowing the visitor to get a glimpse on how they see the changes in their ways of life in the past 600 years. There was no covering up what the government did wrong, rather it is placed right next to all the triumphs that native people have accomplished. The coolest part of this museum was the programming that was going on: chocolate!! Since it was Valentine's Day, the musuem had a full array of programs and stations about the native treat. It was so neat to go through the process of making chocolate and to see the many ways you can cook with it!

My next stop was at the Botanical Gardens, which was the best place to go on a chilly winter day! They have an exhibit right now about orchids, which is my favorite flower, and I could've spent hours in there, had it not been for my sore feet. The conservatory had sections on rainforest, desert, endangered species, and even a place on medicinal herbs. I plan on going back there again- it was just fantastic!

On my way home, I stopped by the Freer Gallery to peer in on one of the best art rooms in the country: The Peacock room. I think the pictures speak for themselves, but the Peacock Room is somewhere that I have been reading about since I was little. It was actually partly a mistake; the designer asked for a small leeway in his creativity; and then took off as he painted the ceilings and walls with golden peacocks. It is quite a site to see. :)

Peacock Room

Told you it was awesome!

Tropical Rainforest

In Hawaii :)

Some early Cherry Blossoms

Orchids at the Botanical Gardens

Cacao pods and chocolate beans

Making Mexican hot chocolate

In the Natural History Museum- so adorable

Sant Ocean Hall- with a whale hanging from the ceiling

My favorite- anyone want to guess how much it's worth?

the "Cursed" Hope Diamond

The T-Rex from Night at the Museum

Natural History Museum

Back to Normal...sort of

Today was the first day back since our monster snowfalls this past Friday and Tuesday. Just as Washington was all shoveled out, we got about 10 more inches of snow. I am happy to report though, that there is no large snowstorms in the future. For those of you back in Fargo, we have surpassed your yearly snowfall record by almost a foot. Take that!

Since I was snowed in all week, it was pretty mundane few days. I caught up on all my television shows, finished all my homework, and even took a few naps! By Thursday evening, though, I had full blown cabin fever and was ready to get out. The entire city was shut down most of the week, including all public transportation, so the Federal Government was closed.

This morning, though, the weather had cleared enough for everyone to go back to work. Today we had about half of the Education team in running the ship. Most of the day was spent trying to reschedule all that had been missed this past week, and the other half was just a normal day.

I finally (!) got into the research rooms too today! It is quite the process getting the records you want, and involves many loopholes (pull slips, finding aids, ARC, and the Reading Room). The good news: I found what I was looking for (in a police report talking about James Garfield's assassination). The bad news: Only one record of the three I got ended up being helpful and I have no pictures to show, as cameras are restricted in certain areas at the Archives. O well, I guess that happens during research!

Next week, I hope to go more into the research areas and dig up more information about Presidential assassinations. The Duke group will also be here on Friday, and with plans still running smoothly, despite the weather, I hope that the stations I put together will be beneficial and eye opening to the students!

Let it Snow! - Part Duex

So I think that I spoke a bit too soon on the past blog about snow... I'm sure that there was some blip on the news where you are about the 30+ inches of snow we got in less than 48 hours. I have been snowed in since Friday afternoon, and am going a bit stir crazy, hence the reason why this blog might be long.

The end of the week at the Archives brought with it some success. I am finally making progress in my lesson plans, which are to be presented in just a few weeks. I helped develop a briefing book that the students will use to write their discoveries about the Archives, and then take home as a keepsake.

On Thursday morning, I went up to Capitol Hill to sit in on a Congressional hearing from the House's Education and Labor committee. After starting almost an hour late ( I am realizing that nothing seems to run on time with the Federal Government) the hearing got underway and only lasted a half hour! They passed legislation on restraining children in schools, both to protect the students and give their teachers the training they need. The whole process of a committee was so different than what I have ever seen on C-SPAN. There were people running in and out, casting their vote and then moving on to their next appointment. It seemed a little rude and trivial for voting on an actual piece of legislation. Never the less, I am glad that our government allows us to witness this important process in forming law.

By the time Friday rolled around, people were in terror over the snow. The night before I went to the grocery store, and waited in line almost twice as long as I normally would. They had not run out of anything when I got there, but my roommates missed out on some essential supplies because they went later in the evening. Only three staff members out of ten were at work on Friday morning and we closed down by noon. All federal employees were given a semi-snow day and were allowed to leave four hours early.

Once I got home, I was snowed in for the next 36 hours. I spent most of Saturday catching up on homework and watching a marathon of movies. I almost felt like I was back home again, as the flakes fell. I even longed for the chance to go outside and shovel or make a snowman!

Today, people are shoveling out. Most of the main roads are plowed, but still very icy. The sky is clear and sunny, but heaps of snow are everywhere. I have added a few pictures of this storm, including a tree that fell on my apartment building! Forecasters say that it's supposed to snow again in the coming week- who knows how long of a work week this will turn out to!

Let it Snow!

Iwo Jima Memorial

Iwo Jima Memorial

Georgetown game where Dr. Joyner played

Snow!

So, one of the first things I was told when I came to DC was that when it comes to the weather, natives of the area do not know how to deal with snow. I laughed at first when I heard this, since there are people back in Minnesota who have no clue how to drive in the snow, but people were not kidding when they told me this! I had my first experience in the snow on Saturday, when the metro area got about 6 inches of it. I have attached some pictures here to show some of it. I went to the grocery store that morning and it was hilarious to see people try and drive through it! Or even worse, dress for it! There were some with umbrellas, which did no good since it was also windy out. There were some who were bundled up in multiple layers, save for their eyes and it wasn't even that cold out! (By that I mean it was like 20 degrees above 0, a heat wave where I am from!) The best thing I observed though, were the looks I got from people as I ventured out in a coat and mittens. I laughed as the stared and then just shook their heads at me.

Because of the snow, there wasn't much of a chance to get out and see DC. So, instead I spent some time seeing more of the Rosslyn area. I went to a Georgetown basketball game with a few friends and watched our dean, Dr. Nancy Joyner play in an exhibition basketball game. She is a member of a traveling senior league, and it was so fun to see a different side of her. On Sunday, I went out and visited the Iwo Jima Memorial, which is just steps away from my apartment. I had been here before a few years ago when I was last in DC, but it looked totally unique with the snow dripping from it.

In terms of the Archives the past two days, it has dimmed down a bit as I have more independent work to do. I started a project on curriculum development on scientific innovations through history. Whew!- that's quite a mouthful. Let's just say that it so far has been a great way to jump right into research at the Archives. Today, I was back at Archives II in the stacks playing the role of a preservation archivist. I got to look through books and books of World War II embassy files. Some of these were a bit dull, but others were espionage files, filled with old codes and locks! Some of these records had not even been opened since they were placed there almost 40 years ago. Who knows what's in those boxes!

As I write this, DC is bracing for a second snowstorm of the week. People were on edge once again, trying to leave work early, and prepare for the worst should they not be able to make it into work. I tried not to laugh, but I'm hoping that tomorrow when the snow stops that the federal government doesn't.