The Old Barracks Museum is fielding some interesting questions from students as part of its “Ask the Barracks” online initiative. A number of video responses to questions submitted can be viewed at www.barracks.org/askthebarracks. The latest videos come from Asher Lurie, Senior Historical Interpreter at the Old Barracks Museum, who discusses how the Barracks was used during the Battle of Trenton and Sarah Kirk, Assistant Curator and one of the interpreters at the Old Barracks Museum, who talks about how common it was for girls to enlist while disguised as boys for the American side.
The online video responses were established amid the closures of schools and other precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 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.
