October Meeting

 Commemorating Missouri's 200th Anniversary & Learning about the American Revolution

American Heritage, American History, & Patriotic Education Programs

Alexander McNair Society held their October business meeting on Saturday, October 30th at Missouri's First State Capitol in St. Charles, MO. During their program, members and seniors learned and discussed Missouri's 200th Anniversary and the 238th Anniversary of the end of  the American Revolution.

Life during the American Revolution

Before the meeting, members were encouraged to read the book I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis. Families were able to read the book together and discuss the topic at an age-appropriate level for their members.

At the meeting, members and seniors were able to discuss the American Revolution and what life would have been like for a child during that time period. They were able to add the dates of the American Revolution to their timeline. 

Missouri Statehood - 200th Anniversary

Next members and seniors learned about Missouri's path to statehood by taking a guided tour of Missouri's First State Capitol. Members were excited to find information about the society's namesake, Alexander McNair, the first governor of Missouri. They got to learn about the two people running for governor and then pick who they would have voted for.

 

Patriotic Education - Military Uniforms throughout the years

Members were able to see examples of military uniforms from the American Revolution and compare them to the military uniforms from the past with a timeline of military uniforms. They discussed reasons why uniforms would look the way they did during that time period.

Attendees: 6 members (4 peewees), 4 seniors.

September Meeting

Patriot's Day & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

American Heritage, American History, & Patriotic Education Programs

Alexander McNair Society held their September business meeting on Sunday, September 12th. During their program, members and seniors learned and discussed the September 11th Attacks and the History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Patriot's Day - 20th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks

Before the meeting, members were encouraged to read the book I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis. Families were able to read the book together and discuss the topic at an age-appropriate level for their members.

Families also had an opportunity to attend 9/11 Commemorative events the day before, including a memorial at Clayton City Hall, Flags of Valor at Art Hill, and an evening memorial at the Florissant VFW.

At the meeting, members and seniors were able to discuss the 9/11 attacks. Seniors explained where they were that day and some of the feelings they went through. Two of our seniors were C.A.R. members at the time. One explained how they had been on a family vacation in Boston and shared their experiences of plans having to change and how people looked at them as tourists that week. Another explained what it was like to be away at college and about a project she started to send cards to C.A.R. members in New York City. Members had questions about why terrorists would do this and talked about how people must have felt that day.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - 100th Anniversary

Next, members and seniors learned about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its upcoming 100th anniversary. A senior read the book Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld to the members. Afterwards, members and seniors discussed why we have the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and how it came to be.

Before the meeting, one family visited the site of a memorial for Michael Blaisse, the Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War. His remains were identified in 1998 and he was brought home to Florissant, MO and is now buried at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.

Patriotic Education - Military Uniforms throughout the years

Members were able to see examples of military uniforms from the War on Terror and compare them to the military uniforms from the past with a timeline of military uniforms. They discussed reasons why uniforms would change over the years and what was special about these uniforms.

Finally, members were able to see the timeline that the society is making to show different events throughout American History. They were able to identify several events that we've discussed so far this year: the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Missouri Statehood, World War I, September 11th, and today with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Finally, members participated in the C.A.R. song, had a snack, and closed the meeting.

Attendees: 6 members (4 peewees), 4 seniors.

Missouri Bicentennial Ice Cream Social

 

Members, Seniors, and Guests gathered for an Ice Cream Social to learn about Missouri history and celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Missouri becoming a state.

Members worked together to create a timeline of important dates in Missouri history.

There was also a Missouri puzzle for everyone to work on.

As a celebration for their hard work, they were able to enjoy some ice cream! They also enjoyed welcoming our newest member to the society at this fun event!

Attendees: 7 members (5 peewees), 5 seniors, 4 senior guests

June Field Trip

 Lewis & Clark Historic Site

American History, American Indian, Patriotic Education Programs

Members and seniors learned how our ancestors were "On the Move" during the Lewis & Clark Expedition by visiting Camp River Dubois where Clark and the Corps of Discovery first met and trained.

American History

Members learned what it was like to live during the time of Lewis & Clark and what it was like to be on the trail through a story.

American Indian

Members learned how the American Indians were "on the move" and helped with the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

Patriotic Education

Members were able to see the different uniforms that were worn during the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

                 

Attendees: 6 members (4 peewees), 4 seniors

January Meeting: American History

 Paul Revere's Ride

Alexander McNair members and seniors met virtually through Google Meet to learn more about Paul Revere and his famous ride. They watched several videos:

• Paul Revere's Ride - Rap
  
• Paul Revere's Ride - Muppet Version
  
• Paul Revere's Ride Bellringer
  

Members created their own lanterns while watching the videos:

The directions for the craft can be found here: Paul Revere's Lantern Craft

Attendees: 6 members (5 pee wees) and 5 seniors

Spirit of St. Louis Air Show

Spirit of St. Louis Air Show

Attendees: 7 members (5 peewees), 8 seniors, 1 senior guest

Members and prospectives were invited to come to the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show. They were able to learn about different kinds of airplanes. They commemorated the 80th anniversary of the start of World War II by learning about airplanes used during the war.

Contest Connections:
2nd Vice President - Learning about airplanes.
American History - Learning about World War II airplanes.
Registrar - Increasing member involvement in society events by planning fun and interactive activities.
Membership - One prospective parent was invited and in attendance.

June Field Trip: Scott Air Show

Several members and a senior at Scott Air Show

Members were able to see various military planes performing at the Scott Air Show. They were able to watch the Tora, Tora, Tora! show together, which recreates the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

There were 5 current members in attendance, plus two prospective members. There were also 4 seniors and 1 adult guest. Members were excited to meet our newest prospective member, who was less than a month old (not pictured due to young age).