Introduction:

This workbook unit examines the traditional methods of preservation and care of historically significant artifacts found in many museums that store articles of local, regional, and national interest. The Early American Museum in Mahomet, Illinois has a vast and interesting collection of articles found within the prairie communities that have developed in rural central Illinois. This web site shows the viewer how artifacts are preserved and cared for so they may be used as tools for learning about the prairie life for many years to come. The lesson is based on activities that demonstrate the handling of old boots that were originally sold at the Sholem Shoe Store one hundred years ago in Champaign, Illinois. These activities are concisely arranged in step by step methods used traditionally for the preservation of artifacts in museums.

Teacher Notes:

In this section of the teacher page you will find objectives, vocabulary, a pre-lesson, and post-lesson to extend the information found on the Kids Expressway section of this website section that demonstrates the care and preservation of the shoes from the Sholem Shoe Store.

Vocabulary and Concepts:

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