NHD was a handful, but I learned a lot from this whole expierence that much I can say. There was a lot of work to do during the whole process. It started with choosing what I was going to do for my topic.I started out with the topics of fire fighters, women suffrage,getting rid of mayor Rizzo,and the underground Railroad.The next day My teacher gave me a book called The Under Ground Railroad by william still. That was how My project was on William Still and his life and what he did with he Underground Railroad.
personally I didn't like that we had to be so specific and picky with the annotations. I found just doing the annotations was long and tedious I had to go to the websites and books multiple time to find all the parts of the annotations.A lot of site didn't have an author. Or the sites were missing part of what I needed. Next year I'm going to get all of the site every single part ahead of time.
we had workshops for two hours the week or two before the event. I thought the workshops should be changed for next year A lot of people said the workshops were chaotic. I didn't like the workshops; since all I did was read my play for two hours which was helpful with helping me memorize my lines and stage directions but that's it.(Even though I didn't think they were helpful.)I guess that's an oximoron.I really don't know what to think of the workshops.It was helpful that one of the plays gave me some feedback.Though it was the day before N.H.D. I think the group s should have given more feedback to the plays.
I did my project on William Still who wrote a book on the Underground Railroad. My project was a play it was a solo play.It was a really fun project. I think the judges liked it.( It was hard to tell. what they thought) my play was fun I was William still as my character. in the play I told stories about important characters that were in William still's book. for example marie weems who disguised her self up as a man to escape,or William still's brother peter. His mom ran away when peter was a grownup he went to philadelphia to find his mom and found his brother. The judges asked me about how I thought of the topic I did my project on,how my play related to the theme of conflict and compromise.( An obvious question)
I may have hated N.H.D at times, but In the end I found the project worthwhile. I'l have the knowledge to do an even better project next year. next uyear I will come prepared for N.H,D knowing what is ahead of me. My family was so proud of me when they found out i'm going to cities which is the next level in the contest. what made it even cooler was I got the news on my dad's birthday. (My grandmom even wanted me to brag to everyone)
Monday, February 25, 2008
NHD process paper
This is my National History Process paper everyone had to write one except the people who did a paper for the type of project I did
Process Paper
I started with many possible topics for my National History Day project. I started out with different options: the underground railroad; how Mount Airy is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Philadelphia; people trying to get rid of Mayor Rizzo; and Suffragettes. I narrowed it down to Mt Airy being a diverse neighborhood or the underground railroad. The next day, I asked my social studies teacher which would be best. He handed me a book titled The Underground Rail Road. It was decided. I would do my report on the Underground Railroad which then evolved into a study of William Still who was known as “the Father of the Underground Rail Road.” William Still was the author of the book my teacher gave me. I have always been interested in the Underground Railroad and slavery. Prior to this research, I had never heard of William Still specifically, but knew of the underground railroad, Harriet Tubman, and stories of slaves trying to escape from slavery.
Initially, I began my research with the book William Still wrote himself; skimming through it to get some ideas. I then went to the library to checkout some books and went online to look at websites. I scheduled an interview at the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum. I also interviewed a women named Gloria Still, who is the great great grand niece of Williams Still. Those two interviews and prior research completed last year on this topic in Constitution High’s archives were the most important sources. I used a variety of sources but needed to use more primary sources so I went back to my original sources.
I had some difficulty with the annotated bibliography. For a couple of the websites I couldn’t get all the information I needed. For example, the websites didn’t have the author or the date published, and if it didn’t have that information I then had to use part of the URL address. To do the MLA format correctly, you need all the pieces of information MLA format lists, otherwise it is wrong. The way I overcame those challenges was to go back to the book or website and get the information I needed.
For my project I chose to create a play. I chose this over the other projects because I enjoy acting and my teacher said that plays and papers aren’t done as often so those two categories have more of a chance of going to the next level of competition. I first thought of stories or characters that stood out to me. For example, Henry “Box” Brown who mailed himself to Philadelphia so he would be free was very interesting; or the story of Williams’s father buying his freedom from the plantation owner but he wasn’t allowed to buy the rest of his families’ freedom. The second step was to create a script after I choose the setting. I realized that my script was limited and needed to enrich Still’s experience so I included more dialogue about the context of my story and organizations that Still interacted with. The third step was rehearsing and revision as I rehearsed. When the steps are laid out they are: brainstorm, type, revise, add on, rehearse revise and rehearse.
This year’s National History Day theme is conflict and compromise. The conflict of my project is blacks were being forced to be slaves and work on plantations. Blacks wanted to live freely without being separated from the rest of their family and being treated as inanimate objects. The compromise was black slaves ran away and were helped/given aid by William Still at the Vigilant Committee in Philadelphia. The other conflict is the story of how blacks were being treated cruelly and inhumanely wasn’t being heard until William Still decided to record their stories.
Process Paper
I started with many possible topics for my National History Day project. I started out with different options: the underground railroad; how Mount Airy is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Philadelphia; people trying to get rid of Mayor Rizzo; and Suffragettes. I narrowed it down to Mt Airy being a diverse neighborhood or the underground railroad. The next day, I asked my social studies teacher which would be best. He handed me a book titled The Underground Rail Road. It was decided. I would do my report on the Underground Railroad which then evolved into a study of William Still who was known as “the Father of the Underground Rail Road.” William Still was the author of the book my teacher gave me. I have always been interested in the Underground Railroad and slavery. Prior to this research, I had never heard of William Still specifically, but knew of the underground railroad, Harriet Tubman, and stories of slaves trying to escape from slavery.
Initially, I began my research with the book William Still wrote himself; skimming through it to get some ideas. I then went to the library to checkout some books and went online to look at websites. I scheduled an interview at the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum. I also interviewed a women named Gloria Still, who is the great great grand niece of Williams Still. Those two interviews and prior research completed last year on this topic in Constitution High’s archives were the most important sources. I used a variety of sources but needed to use more primary sources so I went back to my original sources.
I had some difficulty with the annotated bibliography. For a couple of the websites I couldn’t get all the information I needed. For example, the websites didn’t have the author or the date published, and if it didn’t have that information I then had to use part of the URL address. To do the MLA format correctly, you need all the pieces of information MLA format lists, otherwise it is wrong. The way I overcame those challenges was to go back to the book or website and get the information I needed.
For my project I chose to create a play. I chose this over the other projects because I enjoy acting and my teacher said that plays and papers aren’t done as often so those two categories have more of a chance of going to the next level of competition. I first thought of stories or characters that stood out to me. For example, Henry “Box” Brown who mailed himself to Philadelphia so he would be free was very interesting; or the story of Williams’s father buying his freedom from the plantation owner but he wasn’t allowed to buy the rest of his families’ freedom. The second step was to create a script after I choose the setting. I realized that my script was limited and needed to enrich Still’s experience so I included more dialogue about the context of my story and organizations that Still interacted with. The third step was rehearsing and revision as I rehearsed. When the steps are laid out they are: brainstorm, type, revise, add on, rehearse revise and rehearse.
This year’s National History Day theme is conflict and compromise. The conflict of my project is blacks were being forced to be slaves and work on plantations. Blacks wanted to live freely without being separated from the rest of their family and being treated as inanimate objects. The compromise was black slaves ran away and were helped/given aid by William Still at the Vigilant Committee in Philadelphia. The other conflict is the story of how blacks were being treated cruelly and inhumanely wasn’t being heard until William Still decided to record their stories.
William still play NHD
this is a play I wrote for my National History day project which is a competition. If you do well you go to the next levels city then if you do well enough you go to state. I don't know yet if I'm going to the next level but it was fun performing it.
William Still script
Characters
William Still, the main character, who is secretly keeping records about escaped slaves. Peter Still, William’s brother.
Henry “Box” Brown who mailed himself to William.
Maria Weems a female slave who disguised herself as a man to escape and wore a sling so no one would know she couldn’t write.
William and Ellen Craft married couple. Ellen dressed up as a man and pretended to be a “master of a slave” so the couple could escape from the South together. Eventually they traveled to England. Ellen had a bandage and crutch as part if her disguise.
Letitia, William Still’s wife
John Brown raided Harpers Ferry. Still’s hid and took care of John Brown’s two sons after Brown was hanged.
ACT ONE SCENE ONE
WILLIAM: (writing in journal. Say aloud) Dear diary, can you believe it? I can’t believe it. I have a brother and his name is Peter Still. I was doing my job at the Vigilance Committee, recording down important information about the escaped slaves that came here to Philadelphia for help and to find their family members. I am proud to say that my office is the first place a new freedman or woman comes for aid.
This afternoon, a man came to me and told me the story of how his mom ran away to be free and left him. His grandmother said, “One day you’re going to go to Phil-a-del-Phia can you say Feel-le-del-phea?” The man nodded to her question. Now he was in Philadelphia looking for his mom, Sydney Still. I froze at his heartfelt story. Peter looked scared as if I might call the police on him. He started to back away in fear. I told Peter I was his brother. I didn’t know I had a brother until he walked through the door.
This is when I realized that the records I was writing and recording were more important than I thought. The documents could be used to locate fugitive slave’s families or friends. In this job I’ve helped so many interesting people. (Look up thinking. Have pictures of documents taped in to journal show documents to audience.)
I’ll never forget the biggest surprise Henry “Box” Brown. He wanted to be free so badly he risked being turned up side down and in all different directions. He actually mailed himself to my office. The day he arrived my comrades and I opened the box and he popped out. (Have box in background get up and move to the box labeled this way up and look inside. Go and sit start to write again)
There was the young Miss Maria Weems or should I say “Mister” Weems. She thought of every thing. She disguised herself by dressing up as a man she wore a suit and a top hat. She wore a sling on one arm so no one would know she couldn’t write her name. She had a bandage over face since she didn’t grow facial hair. It came to me from Maria and other characters disguising as men was easier because men had more privileges than women. Men could move from around the country doing work.
ACT ONE SCENE TWO
WILLIAM
(Stand up and act like answering the door. Then move to the edge of the stage walk back and forth as if pacing) can I help you men this evening? Yes I am William still. (Nod at the invisible men Look like resting on edge of door.) You say a guard told you to come to a man named William still? You were on Harpers Ferry, the ship John brown just raided, and you are in need of shelter and aid. You men can go upstairs to the left there are some empty rooms you can use. John Brown should have waited to raid Harpers Ferry like Harriet Tubman and I told him to. (Act as if calling upstairs Letitia three more men have arrived from Harpers Ferry. Letitia, my wife, and I must take care of John’s two sons while he is away as well as six fugitive slaves and the three men from the boat. (Talk
softly to self as if trying to remember something looking down at the floor pace a tiny bit)
I need to buy clothes for five more people. I must record the stories. (Yawn look tired stop pacing)
It’s a tricky job keeping my records not to mention finding a place to hide the documents. I’ll hide them in a grave until it’s safe. No one will look there. At any point in time if anybody finds the documents I could be thrown in prison. (Act as if a shiver went down back.) I don’t want to be thrown in prison again; once is bad enough. Lets see who wrote to me in the mail. (Pick up envelope and start reading) Ahh, the queen sends a letter informing me the Crafts are in good hands. They are in disguise as a slave master and his slave. I sent them to the queen of England Where even slave catchers must treat them like royalty.
(William reads another letter and frowns at the bad language.) As I was saying there are huge conflicts with this job besides being caught. I just got another hate letter. It’s one of the most profane letters I’ve received since starting this job at the Vigilance committee. Calling me terrible names and threatening my life – all because they don’t like me aiding slaves to become free.(head to desk and start writing letter) I must write to Harriet and see if she knows about the fugitive slave law; and that this law says any African found will be taken back to the plantation or sold; even if they were safely in the North; it will really effect the under ground railroad making it harder to escape safely
I had my own coal and stove business. I housed many people who were escaping and I recorded the stories of at least 649 slaves. I am a man of many talents.
William Still script
Characters
William Still, the main character, who is secretly keeping records about escaped slaves. Peter Still, William’s brother.
Henry “Box” Brown who mailed himself to William.
Maria Weems a female slave who disguised herself as a man to escape and wore a sling so no one would know she couldn’t write.
William and Ellen Craft married couple. Ellen dressed up as a man and pretended to be a “master of a slave” so the couple could escape from the South together. Eventually they traveled to England. Ellen had a bandage and crutch as part if her disguise.
Letitia, William Still’s wife
John Brown raided Harpers Ferry. Still’s hid and took care of John Brown’s two sons after Brown was hanged.
ACT ONE SCENE ONE
WILLIAM: (writing in journal. Say aloud) Dear diary, can you believe it? I can’t believe it. I have a brother and his name is Peter Still. I was doing my job at the Vigilance Committee, recording down important information about the escaped slaves that came here to Philadelphia for help and to find their family members. I am proud to say that my office is the first place a new freedman or woman comes for aid.
This afternoon, a man came to me and told me the story of how his mom ran away to be free and left him. His grandmother said, “One day you’re going to go to Phil-a-del-Phia can you say Feel-le-del-phea?” The man nodded to her question. Now he was in Philadelphia looking for his mom, Sydney Still. I froze at his heartfelt story. Peter looked scared as if I might call the police on him. He started to back away in fear. I told Peter I was his brother. I didn’t know I had a brother until he walked through the door.
This is when I realized that the records I was writing and recording were more important than I thought. The documents could be used to locate fugitive slave’s families or friends. In this job I’ve helped so many interesting people. (Look up thinking. Have pictures of documents taped in to journal show documents to audience.)
I’ll never forget the biggest surprise Henry “Box” Brown. He wanted to be free so badly he risked being turned up side down and in all different directions. He actually mailed himself to my office. The day he arrived my comrades and I opened the box and he popped out. (Have box in background get up and move to the box labeled this way up and look inside. Go and sit start to write again)
There was the young Miss Maria Weems or should I say “Mister” Weems. She thought of every thing. She disguised herself by dressing up as a man she wore a suit and a top hat. She wore a sling on one arm so no one would know she couldn’t write her name. She had a bandage over face since she didn’t grow facial hair. It came to me from Maria and other characters disguising as men was easier because men had more privileges than women. Men could move from around the country doing work.
ACT ONE SCENE TWO
WILLIAM
(Stand up and act like answering the door. Then move to the edge of the stage walk back and forth as if pacing) can I help you men this evening? Yes I am William still. (Nod at the invisible men Look like resting on edge of door.) You say a guard told you to come to a man named William still? You were on Harpers Ferry, the ship John brown just raided, and you are in need of shelter and aid. You men can go upstairs to the left there are some empty rooms you can use. John Brown should have waited to raid Harpers Ferry like Harriet Tubman and I told him to. (Act as if calling upstairs Letitia three more men have arrived from Harpers Ferry. Letitia, my wife, and I must take care of John’s two sons while he is away as well as six fugitive slaves and the three men from the boat. (Talk
softly to self as if trying to remember something looking down at the floor pace a tiny bit)
I need to buy clothes for five more people. I must record the stories. (Yawn look tired stop pacing)
It’s a tricky job keeping my records not to mention finding a place to hide the documents. I’ll hide them in a grave until it’s safe. No one will look there. At any point in time if anybody finds the documents I could be thrown in prison. (Act as if a shiver went down back.) I don’t want to be thrown in prison again; once is bad enough. Lets see who wrote to me in the mail. (Pick up envelope and start reading) Ahh, the queen sends a letter informing me the Crafts are in good hands. They are in disguise as a slave master and his slave. I sent them to the queen of England Where even slave catchers must treat them like royalty.
(William reads another letter and frowns at the bad language.) As I was saying there are huge conflicts with this job besides being caught. I just got another hate letter. It’s one of the most profane letters I’ve received since starting this job at the Vigilance committee. Calling me terrible names and threatening my life – all because they don’t like me aiding slaves to become free.(head to desk and start writing letter) I must write to Harriet and see if she knows about the fugitive slave law; and that this law says any African found will be taken back to the plantation or sold; even if they were safely in the North; it will really effect the under ground railroad making it harder to escape safely
I had my own coal and stove business. I housed many people who were escaping and I recorded the stories of at least 649 slaves. I am a man of many talents.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
why you better give me an A
Dear Mr. Romero,
This is a letter about my grades letting you know that if my grade is lower than an A you will be hearing from me, my mom, Licorice, and if worse comes to worse My sister. She is not afraid to yell at any one trust me she may look cute but she's tough. I will get my whole family speak on my side if necessary. I care about my grades dearly and work hard as you can see. If you complain about my backpack and how heavy as it is wait until you fail me and I have more in my bag trying to catch up on the work so I can get a better grade.
Reason one class and homeroom wouldn’t be the same In the morning. We have intriguing conversations. We talk about what’s happened during the week or things were excited about happening in the near future. You care enough to ask if I’m having a good day or not. I can comfortably talk about Webkinz and Club penguin with you. Most of my friends don’t go on these sites.
Reason two I am great on the newspaper. I wrote three pieces just for the first issue and those were great articles. (DON’T SAY CRANK IT C.H.S!!!! Or else. can you imagine the newspaper with out my articles in the newspaper. you can’t can you. It’s just obviously would not be the same. If I fail I would not be at the meetings I would be home working on catching up.
The Third reason is what happens after my parents read the single letter grade: punishment. My parents would probably ground me and there are three ways to do so, no dessert, no T.V, no or any electronics including going on Webkinz; or all of the above all at the same time. Hopefully I can use my computer for school work. If there’s no Webkinz Licorice and Kiwi will get sick. If that were not bad enough I’d feel awful about the grade and punish my self.
In conclusion, there are many reasons you shouldn’t even consider putting any thing bad on my report card. I will have to catch up and it will change my life style. I really don’ t want to go to Saturday school. You said that is requirement of any one who fails your class.
This is a letter about my grades letting you know that if my grade is lower than an A you will be hearing from me, my mom, Licorice, and if worse comes to worse My sister. She is not afraid to yell at any one trust me she may look cute but she's tough. I will get my whole family speak on my side if necessary. I care about my grades dearly and work hard as you can see. If you complain about my backpack and how heavy as it is wait until you fail me and I have more in my bag trying to catch up on the work so I can get a better grade.
Reason one class and homeroom wouldn’t be the same In the morning. We have intriguing conversations. We talk about what’s happened during the week or things were excited about happening in the near future. You care enough to ask if I’m having a good day or not. I can comfortably talk about Webkinz and Club penguin with you. Most of my friends don’t go on these sites.
Reason two I am great on the newspaper. I wrote three pieces just for the first issue and those were great articles. (DON’T SAY CRANK IT C.H.S!!!! Or else. can you imagine the newspaper with out my articles in the newspaper. you can’t can you. It’s just obviously would not be the same. If I fail I would not be at the meetings I would be home working on catching up.
The Third reason is what happens after my parents read the single letter grade: punishment. My parents would probably ground me and there are three ways to do so, no dessert, no T.V, no or any electronics including going on Webkinz; or all of the above all at the same time. Hopefully I can use my computer for school work. If there’s no Webkinz Licorice and Kiwi will get sick. If that were not bad enough I’d feel awful about the grade and punish my self.
In conclusion, there are many reasons you shouldn’t even consider putting any thing bad on my report card. I will have to catch up and it will change my life style. I really don’ t want to go to Saturday school. You said that is requirement of any one who fails your class.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Phillis wheatley
In the United States people celebrate black history month, and a lot of important people including Phillis Wheatley. We still remember all about her past and her writing, and her words.
Family
No one knows about Phillils’s Wheatley’s real parents since she was taken away at a young age. We do know about her master. Her master’s name was John Wheatley. He was a Boston Merchant. John wanted a personal servant for his wife: Susannah so he gave Phillis to her. Even Though Phillis was a slave she did not do as much work because she had delicate health. The Wheatley’s were also very religious people. They were a member of the south church including Phillis. (It was very rare that she went) He was also impressed by her intelligence.
Background
There is no actual birth date known for Phillis since she was captured at the age of seven or eight. The year she was born was around 1753-1784. The country she was born is now known as Senegal, which is in West Africa. She was very intelligent she learned three languages: Greek, Latin and English. She was baptized in the year 1771. She wrote a poem about the Boston Massacre. She ended up having a very bad marriage, and two of three kids died. She died young at the age of 31.
Was she serious?
phillis Wheatley wrote this poem about being brought from Africa:
Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic dye."
Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.´
During colonial times people read that poem and thought Phillis Wheatley was Brilliant. (Especially for a black slave. Most slaves didn’t get any education) People still read the exact poem today, but instead of thinking she was brilliant they now think that she was just being sarcastic. They think She wasn’t seriously thanking the Colonists for taking her away from her homeland. For example, look at the words She uses in the poem: There’s a savior, sable race, pagan land, race with scornful eye, Black as Cain. (She is referring to Cain from the bible and the mark god put on Cain for killing his brother. Some people say the mark is black people) It is hard to know whether she meant it seriously or in a sarcastic way. Maybe the point is to make us ponder. That’ s what writer s do make us think and ponder.
/Users/juliafusco/Desktop/180px-Phillis_Wheatley_frontispiece.jpg
Family
No one knows about Phillils’s Wheatley’s real parents since she was taken away at a young age. We do know about her master. Her master’s name was John Wheatley. He was a Boston Merchant. John wanted a personal servant for his wife: Susannah so he gave Phillis to her. Even Though Phillis was a slave she did not do as much work because she had delicate health. The Wheatley’s were also very religious people. They were a member of the south church including Phillis. (It was very rare that she went) He was also impressed by her intelligence.
Background
There is no actual birth date known for Phillis since she was captured at the age of seven or eight. The year she was born was around 1753-1784. The country she was born is now known as Senegal, which is in West Africa. She was very intelligent she learned three languages: Greek, Latin and English. She was baptized in the year 1771. She wrote a poem about the Boston Massacre. She ended up having a very bad marriage, and two of three kids died. She died young at the age of 31.
Was she serious?
phillis Wheatley wrote this poem about being brought from Africa:
Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic dye."
Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.´
During colonial times people read that poem and thought Phillis Wheatley was Brilliant. (Especially for a black slave. Most slaves didn’t get any education) People still read the exact poem today, but instead of thinking she was brilliant they now think that she was just being sarcastic. They think She wasn’t seriously thanking the Colonists for taking her away from her homeland. For example, look at the words She uses in the poem: There’s a savior, sable race, pagan land, race with scornful eye, Black as Cain. (She is referring to Cain from the bible and the mark god put on Cain for killing his brother. Some people say the mark is black people) It is hard to know whether she meant it seriously or in a sarcastic way. Maybe the point is to make us ponder. That’ s what writer s do make us think and ponder.
/Users/juliafusco/Desktop/180px-Phillis_Wheatley_frontispiece.jpg
William Still Thesis Statement
William still was known as “ the father of the underground railroad” He helped black slaves voices be heard. He was the first to record the fugitive slaves Journeys to Philadelphia. He gave a new opinion on the issue. He realized how important the records were the day his brother came to his office and introduced him self as peter Still; The story of how Peter’s mom left him(to escape to freedom for the second time) and then found his brother he knew he never had. The story was very touching. Slavery tore families apart. Still’s records tried to help bring them back together it was the organizations job to do so. William still recorded the stories of 2700 people. In some instances the records did reunite families/friends. One of the reasons this is a major event in our history is so we know how the people felt and so it won’t be lost forever.
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