The Old Barracks Museum is bringing history online! The first video response to a question submitted to “Ask the Barracks” is online now at www.barracks.org/askthebarracks! The question, submitted by a student named Matt, asks about what life on the frontier was like. Historical Interpreter James responds with a video explaining the challenges of life during a different time.
The “Ask the Barracks” program was announced on Monday, March 30. Due to the closures of schools and other precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, thousands of students are going to miss their scheduled field trips to the Old Barracks Museum this spring. While visiting the historical landmark to learn about New Jersey’s pivotal role in the American Revolution is an immersive, hands-on experience that can’t be replicated online, the Museum is eager to connect with students to allow them the opportunity to connect with history.
“Ask the Barracks” encourages students, parents, and teachers to email questions about the American Revolution, the Battle of Trenton, diseases in the 18th century such as smallpox, and New Jersey to askthebarracks@barracks.org. Selected questions will be answered via email, the website, social media posts, and videos. Answers will be posted on www.barracks.org/askthebarracks and www.facebook.com/oldbarracksmuseum. This program is open to students around the world, not just students whose field trips are being cancelled due to school and non-essential business closures.
The Old Barracks Museum invites everyone to visit www.barracks.org/askthebarracks to learn more about this initiative. The spread of COVID-19 is a very serious issue, and everyone must band together to help flatten the curve. The Old Barracks was one of George Washington’s mandated smallpox inoculation hospitals in the American Revolution and helped control that very deadly and contagious disease. We are all doing our part today to control the spread of COVID-19 and are making the necessary adaptations to remain true to our mission of educating students about New Jersey’s crucial role in the American Revolution.
