Museum of Tolerance

[MouseWife]

I know I am not on here a lot and I am going to be only able to check this thread now and again but I know you all are great with giving advice about your experiences and I do need some advice with this.

My son is in 6th grade and will be going on a field trip to The Museum of Tolerance. I know they are reading a book, I am not sure 100% but something about 'Stars' {I even have the book but let him have it and haven't see it since...}...


I digress, sorry.

Are there any exibits that I ought to avoid? Any that I should prepare him for? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I am planning on bringing a notepad for him to take notes and write down any questions and thoughts he has during the trip. I think it is such a real situation that it requires more than just 'We went, we're home' attitude.

So, in advance, thank you guys for any opinions and advice.

:snap: :snap:

[Alex]

I've never been there so I can't offer any advice. But I was just looking at their web site and have to wonder if the name isn't a misnomer. Isn't it really a Museum of Intolerance? Kind of like calling the torture room at the wax museum a "Museum of Humanely Extracting Information."

I see it is an interactive museum. I'm not sure what they do to make 11 year-olds interact with the Holocause but you might want to talk to the teacher about what your son can expect. Otherwise it sounds like you're doing what you can. Be prepared to deal with his questions.

[MouseWife]

Thank you, Alex, for posting.

I whole heartedly agree with you. When I heard they were going I was totally confused as to why. I feel they are too young.

My sons teacher {of the 4 6th grade teachers} agrees with me but he was outnumbered.

I think that what the principal is trying to do is good intentioned but over doing it.

I think they think they are going to teach the children what intolerance can do. We live in a widely Hispanic neighborhood and with all of the recent goings on I think this may be part of it. I may be wrong.

Also, I think they see normal actions of kids this age of making friends with some and not others 'intolerance'. That makes me angry and I've told the principal myself, we are all free to choose our friends. I am sorry if a child is having a hard time, but, it isn't my childs' job to be everyones friend, either.

Is that cold? Perhaps but I don't think I am intolerant.

So, yes, I really think I need to go. I worry they will try and use scare tactics OR they don't have a CLUE as to what the heck they are getting themselves in to.

And, thanks for the idea of going to the website. I will have to do that tonight.

[flippyshark]

I've never been there so I can't offer any advice. But I was just looking at their web site and have to wonder if the name isn't a misnomer. Isn't it really a Museum of Intolerance? Kind of like calling the torture room at the wax museum a "Museum of Humanely Extracting Information.

I don't see it as a misnomer at all. It's a museum in support of tolerance, demonstrated by showing the extremes of intolerance. I'm sure that intent is made clear to visitors.

I guess you could rename it Museum of Intolerance, but that might make it sound like a celebration of intolerance, rather than a reproach. (And your re-naming of the torture room is a good example of evil doublespeak, but I don't think this museum's name qualifies. At least I hope not.)

I am curious as to how this goes over with a sixth grade class. I'm inclined to think that they may be too young for it.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Note, my view may be skewed, having grown up Jewish and thus having already been exposed to most of the themes presented at the museum pretty much since I was born.

But, that being said, 6th grade is about the age it's aimed at, I feel. The information is certainly intense at times, but that's the point. It's been a while since I've gone, but I don't remember it being heavy on graphic shock-value stuff. There's some, you can't tell the story of the Holocause with it, but it's not the main focus. Just enough to get the point across that the consequences of intolerance were quite real. It's purpose isn't to scare or frighten. It's about awareness.

As for what to talk about beforehand, if he doesn't know already, it would be good to be aware of what the Holocaust was. It's only a portion of the museum, but it's the most intense (obviously). As long as it's not his first exposure to it, the museum should just reinforce how real it was.

[Alex]

I don't see it as a misnomer at all. It's a museum in support of tolerance, demonstrated by showing the extremes of intolerance. I'm sure that intent is made clear to visitors.

Oh, I don't think it is a big deal. But in the construction "The Museum of X" X is generally what is on display, not the mission behind the display.

[flippyshark]

I know they are reading a book, I am not sure 100% but something about 'Stars' {I even have the book but let him have it and haven't see it since...}...



I imagine it's NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry, a Newberry Award winner. If he has already read and appreciated that book, he is probably well prepared for the museum, actually.

Is this the same kid in the red shirt who ended up in about 90 per cent of my Universal backlot photos? :D

[innerSpaceman]

I've never been inside (I'm ashamed to say), but I pass by the place each and every day on my way to work. There are always, amost daily, crowds of young school kids outside in the morning. Makes me assume that it's pretty youngster appropriate ... 'cause they just keep coming and coming.


Alex, I think your idea for museum nomenclature, alas like most museums, is anachronistic.

[Alex]

That may be, I haven't been in a museum in a decade probably (though that will change soon), so I wouldn't be surprised. But I'm trying to think of another example where "The Museum of X" does not have X be what is on display. What would they call it if they did open a museum that displayed artificacts of tolerance?

Like I said, though, it really isn't an important issue and if I weren't replying anyway would never have said it. It just struck me.


*Edited to add: That's not true. I visited the single remaining residence of our 11th president, James K. Polk, in 2003. It is in Columbus (Columbia?), Tennessee, and you'll be walked around the place by a very, very old but nice man.

[flippyshark]

I am guessing the museum does also include artifacts of tolerance. I don't know what these would include, not having been there, but surely documents and images related to the passing of civil rights law, liberation of concentration camps, and so on. It would behoove them to tell the whole story and not end the experience on an unresolved downer. (Also, it would be hard to find artifacts of tolerance that were not connected to its opposite. It's a story that has to be told via stark relief.)

The Mutter Museum in Philadelphia has no Mutters, but lots of amazing medical abberations and curiousities. Likewise, the Rijksmuseum might not have any rijks. (okay, just being silly)

[Alex]

But neither of those are The Museum of X. And I'm sure the museum must have something that shows tolerance (though the About (http://www.museumoftolerance.com/site/pp.asp?c=arLPK7PILqF&b=249633) page for the museum mentions nothing of the sort; the ToleranCenter "focus[es] on the major issues of intolerance that are part of their daily lives.")

Look at me, arguing a relatively minor point of no interest to either party. Is anybody surprised? Regardless of age appropriateness or goodness of mission, I'm inclined to disapprove of any institution that went forward with naming something "ToleranCenter."

[innerSpaceman]

On the contrary, now I'm doubly intrigued. I think I will indeed stop on my daily trek past and actually go inside someday real soon ... if only to expericence the ToleranCenter for myself.


Ok, yeah, that's the hokiest thing I've heard of in a long time, and I don't think anything about a Holocaust museum is supposed to make me crack so big a smile.

But it does put the place even more "on the map" for me, and truly increases my chance of a visit.

[Alex]

Then you might like to know that inside The ToleranCenter is The Point of View Diner, described as such:

A recreation of a 1950's diner, red booths and all, that "serves" a menu of controversial topics on video jukeboxes. It uses the latest cutting edge technology to relay the overall message of personal responsibility. Following scenarios focusing on drunk driving and hate speech, this interactive exhibit allows visitors to input their opinions on what they have seen and question relevant characters. The results are then instantly tabulated.

I can only assume they don't really serve food. But it would be brilliant if they did.

[innerSpaceman]

I was actually and deeply disappointed as I read the description and it dawned on me that no meal would be served as an accompaniment.



I suppose it would be crass to sip a cocktail during the drunk driving segment.

Too bad.

[Alex]

But think of the "instant results" they could tabulate based on percentage of meal finished as relates to topics presented.

It would be like watching to see who can eat during an autopsy.

[€uroMeinke]

Aww - I think it would be a wonderful time to serve sterotype food - Watermellonand fried chicken, refried beans, Sour Kraut, Irish Wiskey, etc.

So does the interactive part allow you add your own slurs to the menu?

[MouseWife]

Thanks you guys for your responses.

I appreciate your response, GD, as I was speaking to someone who said they new a Holocaust survivor and that they felt this was age appropriate and I kept thinking she forgot what it was like to be 12...So, I am glad to hear you say, if I am careful about what we do, he will be alright.

Like Alex, I really had/have my concerns. Mostly I worry the subject won't be respected and that will make the trip a waste. That is why I am going with them. {and I hate to ride the bus with a bunch of kids!!!} I worry at their age their biggest concern is one another.

flippyshark~ That is it, I had 'number' in my head but I couldn't figure it out. And, sadly, it wasn't my son in your pictures. :( That would have been swell. Those pictures showed a lot of tolerance for knuckleheadness!!! {kidding!! I'm just jealous!}

Oh, I will have to go to that site! I've been working too many hours. {this is my argument against my working....;) }

I wish they did serve food. I worry what we are going to have for lunch. :rolleyes: I wanted to go to Olvera Street but was told it isn't close...

I just asked The Boy if he'd finished reading the book, he said no. I asked him what he knew about the Holocaust and he said he knew the Jews were tortured and killed by Hitler because he wanted people to be just like him.

So, yeah, I have work to do with him. He seemed very open to it, when I told him that there was much more and that I wanted to study it before our trip he was quite agreeable.

Thanks you guys for your opinions. I do understand your statement in the sense it was given. I don't think like iSm, all I can think of is George Carlin and 'Why do you drive on a Parkway and park in a driveway?' and any of his other comparisons...

Keep the ideas/opinions coming, I find this quite intersting. :)

[MouseWife]

Aww - I think it would be a wonderful time to serve sterotype food - Watermellonand fried chicken, refried beans, Sour Kraut, Irish Wiskey, etc.

So does the interactive part allow you add your own slurs to the menu?

LOL I really doubt that...But, you have a really good head start. :D

[Ghoulish Delight]

I wish they did serve food. I worry what we are going to have for lunch. :rolleyes: I wanted to go to Olvera Street but was told it isn't close...
Whoever told you that is clearly being intolerant.

[libraryvixen]

I've been to the Museum before... twice actually. The first time I went was around the time it first opened.

I know that there's at least 3 levels to the museumL the ground/lobby floor with the gift shop and the replica of Anne Frank's Diary, the 2nd floor with artifacts and the 3rd floor where the Holocaust Walk/Interactive exibits are.

Back then, they had a dark tunnel about maybe 30 feet or so that curved to the right so when you walked through, you could se absolutely nothing. Once inside, there would be whispers of all sorts of racial slurs coming from everywhere. It was creepy. I beleive they also made a South Park based on the Museum of Tolerance where Cartman walked through a similar tunnel. I'm pretty sure the tunnel is no longer there.

There's a light up map of all the hate groups in the United States and propaganda depiciting various stereotypes of different ethnic peoples and religious in advertising and comics.

It's in the waiting area for the Holocaust Walk. The Holocaust is a self guided tour where you get to see how the movement of Hitler spread through Europe.

At the beginning of the tour, you get a plastic card with a picture of a child on it. In the middle of the tour, you swipe your card and you learn more about your child, their family, and the circumstances around them going to one of the camps.

In the first half of the tour, there are highlights on how Hitler came to power. It's interesting because one can see how others were buying into Hiltler's idea, as twisted as it was.

The second part of the tour deals with the Death Camps. Eventually you make your way to a sorting area similar to the ones the new arrivals saw. At the end of the tour, you sit in a Gassing Shower similar to the ones at the death camps and you also watch a video about the gas chamber while you're sitting on the benches. This is the end of the tour.

As you leave the gas chamber, you walk into a beautiful room filled with light and glass. It's called the Survivor's room. There are stories of people who rescued Jews and other persecuted persons and, of course, the survivors of the Holocaust. This is the room where you scan your card one last time and find out the fate of the child you carried around during the tour. You also get a printout of the information for your kid. I have been fortunate 2 times as my children have always survived. My travel companions have not been so lucky.

The 2nd floor artifacts room has a room dedicated to death camp artifacts. There is an actual bunk from one of the camps and a picture to show how people were packed in them. One of the things that has haunted me over the years is a pile of shoes. I kept thinking that people used to fill those shoes... and then I would get weepy. It also shows the strength of the human spirit in the crudely made musical instruments and other items.

There's an interactive computer lab chronicling the different periods of World War 2. In addition, there are also army uniforms from the different factions that fought in the war.

It's been a while since I've been to the Museum, so that's all I remember. When my child is maybe 10-11, I'll take her there. She's only 7 so we have a while to go.

The tour, for me, was emotionally draining. After each time I've gone on the tour, I've promply driven back to DL so I could just sit and watch happiness for a while. Hopefully you and your son have a happy place when you get done with the tour so you guys can just sit and refill your happy meters.

[Babette]

One of my favorite novels to read when I teach 6th grade is NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry. It is a great story about best friends, one Jewish and one not, who live in Denmark during WWII. The non-Jewish family risks their lives to help many people, including the best friend's family, escape to Sweden. It is a great story about friendship, tolerance and personal challenges people face when in extreme situations. The students get an idea about the effects of the atrocities of WWII, but the book does not go into detail. They see things through the eyes of a 12-year-old girl.

I think the Museum of Tolerance is an appropriate field trip for sixth graders. It is pretty intense. Those who are ready for it will understand and find meaningful connections. Those who aren't ready will be exposed and later in life they will be able to connect back to the things they saw. It will encourage conversation and awareness.

The bus ride, now that is a whole new test of one's tolerance.

[Kevy Baby]

As much as I wouldn't want to spend two hour-long trips in a bus with sixth graders, I would be curious to know what (if any) difference there is between the ride TO the museum and the ride back.

[tracilicious]

That's a great summary, LV, thanks. I've not been to the museum, but I read Number the Stars in fourth grade and saw a holocaust survivor speak in the seventh. I think an eleven year old can probably handle it. I don't really see the point of such young exposure, but then I don't have an eleven year old. I think that you are right in going with him. Then you know exactly what he saw and can help him process it.

[MouseWife]

GD~ :D That is what I was thinking myself...;)

libraryvixen~ Oh, see, just reading your summary about the museum had me all choked up. I hope that I can handle it. When they sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' it makes me emotional.

Thank you so much for the summary, I think I will print it up to help me make sure what I don't want to miss and what to be prepared for. :snap:

Babette~ Seriously, I don't know if I can tolerate that ride...I may just suck it up and drive....and, I agree about those getting it and those not. If he doesn't, he can come back again and at least know what to expect. And, I think I need to read that book myself.

Kevy Baby, ooo, I live way further than that...I think it will be at least a three hour drive. Include with the the preparing to get on the bus and then the gathering up the kids after. I think the bus ride home will be quite somber. If it isn't I think I'm gonna pop open a can of 'Whup @$$' on them.

tracilicious~ That was my first {and still to a large degree} feeling. I asked why and if they were even studying it. I don't really compare reading the book to going to the museum, the book seems quite age appropriate. So, this is why I am going.

I know my son had a very difficult time with things when his grandmother passed away when he was 10.

Everyones responses have really helped me to feel comfortable with him going, as long as I go with him.

I will print up your summary and go to the website and see what else I should print up.

Any other ideas will be greatly appreciated, I think if we go we won't go again for some time.

And, I understand going to Disneyland after and seeing happy people. I know this is not really comparable but after I saw 'Titanic', I was really drained. All of that was so real and knowing it really happened just got to me. On the way home from the theater I looked out the window {I wasn't driving} at the people and life going on and thought about those who died. What they went through. See, this may be harder on me......

Do they stock Kleenex?

[tracilicious]

A six hour roundtrip drive to see a holocaust museum when they aren't even studying it? Sounds a bit nuts (of the teachers) to me. Can't they just watch Schindler's List?

[MouseWife]

A six hour roundtrip drive to see a holocaust museum when they aren't even studying it? Sounds a bit nuts (of the teachers) to me. Can't they just watch Schindler's List?

They are lightly studying it. They read the book 'Number the Stars'. That's it.

I know that my sons own teacher was not for it. But, he also has back problems and that combined with the whole out of town trip is too much.

Ya know, I think that for their age that perhaps a trip to Riley's Farm where it is early Americana would be more age appropriate.

I really think they want to 'break' these kids. I understand private schools may have studied this more indepth. We haven't.

Ugh, to see 'six hour bus ride' in print was a shock to my system. :eek:

[Prudence]

I don't have kids yet, and remembering back to sixth grade is sometimes a stretch, but I think we could have handled that sort of trip without major problems. I do think the experience will be enhanced if you talk with your son about the experience, but that's true of most educational field trips.

Actually, I think it's the perfect age to go. They're old enough to some sense that history isn't all Washington Crossing the Delaware and "Mr. Watson, come here, I need you." They're either headed for jr. high or already in middle school - which means that before too long the "cooler than you" fences will be too fortified to allow any impact. That doesn't mean it will be easy or fun, but learning that not everything is easy or fun in a controlled setting is a valuable lesson itself.

Oh, and when I was in sixth grade we did the whole "Pioneer Farms (http://www.pioneerfarmmuseum.org/indexold.html)" thing. What a snoozer that was. We had to do this whole unit in preparation of making pioneer toys and crafts and crap. We were way too old to be making wooden spoon dolls. It would have been great for 4th graders, maybe.

[MouseWife]

I think you are right about getting them before that attitude. But, sadly, I guess I am thinking of how those who have that attitude already might ruin the experience for the others.

You didn't like the 'Pioneer Farms'? I'll have to check your link but I haven't been to Riley Farms, either, just their webpage. I'd personally love to do that. Ha ha, that would be a crazy LoT meet, get as many as possible to participate in the war activity. Or the wagon trek? Okay, I'd pass on the wagon trek, you don't have any horses, YOU have to pull the wagon! Now, I KNOW they had horses back in the day....

I will work with my son {with the help of everyone here and their input:snap: } and if I have to I will seperate us from the groups {I am assuming it will be like any other trip where we have groups of children to monitor} so that mine can experience it freely without any comments from the 'cooler than you' kids.

I do appreciate everyones opinions and advice! Keep it coming!

The trip is in June so I have time to do my homework. :D

[MouseWife]

Update:

So, I've been searching the MOT website for worksheets and help for parents/teachers, buying books and asking the older kids to discuss the subject with the Boy when they are able. Always taking opportunies. Also, I gave him another book to read, I think it is called 'Jacobs Rescue'.

I had opportunity to go in to the school office with another mom and there is the principal. So I ask her if I can drive up and take my son home with me? Sure, no problem, he is your kid. {my sentiments exactly} Then I ask her how this trip came about if they aren't studying the subject? She said 'Oh yes, they are. They read that book about 'Stars'.' I said 'Number The Stars? Yes, but that is it.'

So she goes on to assure me that they are being prepared and they are discussing intolerance in class often. I say 'Intolerance and The Holocaust are two very different things.' She assures me that we have situations going on today {Dafur} and I probably rolled my eyes :rolleyes: and said 'Well, this is why I want to go with my son'. She said it was also up to the parents to discuss the matter with the kids and I said that I indeed was.

So. The next thing I hear is that my son says they discussed the Holocaust in class that day {after I spoke with her}. I had to laugh. Because...it turns out that while they are going to the MOT they are NOT doing the Holocaust part. The person they booked the trip with said they are too young. It is at least for 7th graders.

So, I tell this to my sons teacher who gave me a look like 'Really?' Talk about communication between the teachers!! The teacher in charge, it was her event, she only invited the other students, I think, to help bring down the costs but it didn't.

So. I was hit with 'Do I really want to go on this bus for all of that time on two seperate 2 1/2 hour tours with these kids??? With these adults???' I decided yes because from what I've seen, I really need to be there to see what my son is being taught.

AND I realized that thier trip is on 'D-Day'. I wonder if they'll touch upon that?

Thanks you guys for all of your help. While they won't be doing it this time around, we will. If I had someone to drive up with I wouldn't ride the bus and I would hang out longer up in L.A. but alas I can't. So, just the two tours and a bunch of kids.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

I really wish that there were more parents who took such an active interest in what their children were being taught. Hats off to you, MouseWife. :snap:

[MouseWife]

I really wish that there were more parents who took such an active interest in what their children were being taught. Hats off to you, MouseWife. :snap:

Aw, thank you. :blush:

Eh, I do get a bit p'od when people try to mess with my kids so I'd rather be there and make sure they don't try something. :evil:

I like my kids to think openly and for themselves and I worry that the teachers try and put them in line/catagories and they are individuals.

That gives me such hard time because it isn't how I was raised!! But, it makes me more so want to treat them this way. It didn't come easily, my daughter {my oldest} basically taught me this when she became quite the individual. :cool:

*sigh* I realized all of my visions of a little mini 'me' were gone...;)

[BarTopDancer]

Going to Jewish Sunday School my entire childhood I had an early exposure to the Holocost. They mostly had us watch and read various versions of The Diary of Anne Frank. While I never want to read that book or see that movie again it would be a good book for your son to read when you're ready to continue the discussion. I think there are several versions out there too for various reading levels and age groups.

[MouseWife]

Thank you, BTD, I will have to pick that up. I have a large library here {and am happy that my kids frequently 'check books out'} but I don't have that. I owned it as a teen but...who knows!

I wonder why the local schools {public} don't cover the Holocaust more? Exposing them to it younger and then gradually throughout school? I recall my older siblings coming home in the 9th grade talking about it but when I was in the 9th grade, in high school all years, I don't recall going into depth.

Hmm.

[MouseWife]

I have to say, I didn't forget the great advice I received. I posted that night after returning home but I guess I took too long to post and I lost the whole thing! I'll try and not let that happen again...

We were to be at the school by 6:45 a.m. so the bus could leave at 7 sharp. 7 comes and goes. We don't leave until amost 7:30. It took us about an hour to get to Clairemont. So, we arrived at the museum late which put us late all day. {3 1/2 hour ride}

The ride up? Oh, girls trying to get truck drivers to honk their horns. Boys making eyes at girls in cars with their parents {of course, since they are only 12 none are driving cars out by themselves...}, a bathroom on the bus? Oooo!, and, we saw 'High School Musical' 1/12 times on the way there. {as well as Herbie...}

We had to leave basically everything on the bus. I was taken at first by the security. It was all very professional. I liked that. The building itself is quite beautiful.

We all head in, trying to be quiet {why oh why am I a chaperone of a bunch of noisy kids in a place that doesn't want noise??? I'll be quiet, really I will...}. Of course this is next to near impossible to some.

We head up the ramp to the first part of the tour. Something about the world we live in {I know, all of my groaning and I can't recall the first part} I was at the end of the line and two moms were taking off. I asked them where they were going and they said where the kids can't go. Did I want to go? Uh...Okay!!

We went looking for where to go as none of us had maps or any idea where we were supposed to go. The people there are so nice. They saw our lost faces and helped us. They took us down the elevator and right to the next tour.

We were then told that we might want to wait for the next group as this one was a bit difficult. Then they decided it would be alright. We told them we'd stay in the back as to let them have their time, we just wanted to view.

Well. The presentation is awesome. I learned so much. I think they way they presented it {using people speaking as if they were the actual people, with the emotion, etc.} and all of the visual.

All of it was getting to me. I tried to retain my composure. The group we were with was a bit difficult. They didn't like the woman telling them to 'Come' or 'Sit, please'. Then, in the room where I really felt so much emotion, two guys almost threw punches!!! Can you believe it?

The woman who gave the tour was a survivor. All of it just ripped my heart inside out. Not that I didn't know most of what I saw, because it always does, but, this was so real and personal.

Luckily I had a pocket full of tissue.

After lunch {at which a bunch of kids got into major trouble} we went on the second part of our tour. The Find Your Family {or something like that}.
It started off with us taking our picture with these computers and then putting in our background. What I realized later when we got the print outs was how much my son and do look alike. You wouldn't think it to look at us. So, that was something.

This part of the tour was very interesting to me because they put it out so honest and real.

They cover the issue of immigration and migration. They spotlight four celebrities. All four having very different backgrounds and home lives. This impressed me that they didn't sugar coat things.

One went on how he found out about his background via his uncle after his father died when he was 15. The second was taken to live with her grandmother and uncle somewhere in the south and how that effected her. The third was a baseball hero and how hard his life was, being afraid of his fathers temper, his father abusing his mother, never having a happy home and his father making his mother feel awful about her heritage. I was so amazed by it. They said that when they got older, he and his siblings confronted their father and made him leave the house. They said it was much happier after that.

The last was Carlos Santana. You know he is quite spiritial. He said he researched his family and came to find that he is the best of all of them. I don't know if the kids understood that meant he tried to have the best qualities and not that he was the best because he was a wealthy musician.

Anyways, we were in such a rush we had to run to the bus and head home. We watched High School Musical two more times and a couple of kids did the dances in the aisle. They also played this other game where they call out your name and you have to respond and that was fun, too. They were loud. I called my friend to let her know we were coming home and she couldn't hear me!!!

Oh, and on the way home they did have truckers honk their horns. In San Diego. I think it was the rush hour traffic and the truckers desire not to piss anyone off why no one would honk. At night, everyone was in a festive mood. They did make the kids stop though because they were starting to go overboard.

I loved the museum, I loved the people there. I cried my heart out. But, I want to go back and learn more. And see more. I want to take my family back and let them hear and see what I did.

Will I take my 12 year old? I don't know. I still think it is pretty heavy and if he doesn't get it might it just be a waste of time or have the reverse affect? We shall see.

Thank you again to everyone who gave me their input/opinions. Very much appreciated. Also, I did go by what I learned on her through out the tour as well as in knowing where to ask to go. I didn't know where the place was in the building but I did know what to ask for.

Thank you.

[Snowflake]

Great report Mousewife!

[flippyshark]

That was really great to read about. I'm only sorry you had to live through HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL so many times. (I thought it was cute, but I sure couldn't take it more than once in a single day.)

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Thanks for the trip report, MouseWife. I really want to go there.

[Babette]

I'm glad it was a positive experience and you had a luxury bus! High School Musical! UGH! That is all my 5th graders talk about. We watched it as their reward last week. I just checked out in the back of the room and graded papers. They were all singing along. Cute, but UGH!

[MouseWife]

Thank you, Snowflake, flippyshark, Motorboat Cruiser and Babette. :cool:

I was worried I went on and on so I am glad you guys read it, reviewed it, and replied. :D :snap: :snap:

Yeah, HSM is 'cute' but dang it, 3 times???? It was cool when the kids got to dancing in the aisle. A little bit o' 'Fame'. But 3 times??? {did I already say that??? Must be the trauma....;) }

Yes, for sure, I recommend going. It was a rollercoaster of emotion for me. I was not able to go through the 'tunnel of light' that was mentioned here and I feel/felt a bit 'unhealed'. Like there are steps you should follow. Does that make sense?

Babette, 5th graders? Oh yes, they are so into this movie. And, even though some boys took over the back of the bus {i.e. the bathroom} it was still available for the kids who needed it as us moms kept our eyes on them. So glad we had it. I didn't use it. I sure could have used a pillow, though. :blush:

Thanks again you guys for taking the time. If you go, I hope you resurrect this thread and post your reviews as well.

[BarTopDancer]

Thank you for sharing your report. I'm so glad to hear you were able to go on this trip! It sounds like an amazing, profound experience (dispite the numbskulls fighting, and High School Musical 3 times). We barely glossed over the Holocaust in high school. It's ashame, because without education history can repeat itself.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

If I were on that bus I'd have brought more movies along.

Thanks for the report :cheers:

[MouseWife]

I am glad that you guys enjoyed my report.

I really did enjoy the place, it touched me. It was beautiful. And sad. At the same time.

Oh my gosh, if I knew that we could bring movies!!! Oh, but being kids the movies have to be PG-13.

I did have headphones, though.