McKinley Students African-American Museum

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If the McKinley kids seem especially knowledgeable about history, it’s because the entire fifth-grade class recently returned from an all-day field trip to the African-American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

“This is the only such museum in the state of Iowa,” said McKinley fifth-grade teacher Ta Rae Evans, “and we thought the field trip would be a perfect way to conclude our social studies unit on Black History Month.”

February is Black History Month, but never mind. During the March 20 trip, students had a chance to learn about famed inventor and educator George Washington Carver as well as tackle the issue of slavery in an interactive program called “Doorways.”

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Jordan Nelson said he was astonished that slaves were permitted only one meal a day. “I know I couldn’t live that way,” he said.

“What surprised me was that kids weren’t allowed to own shoes until they were 12 years old,” said Tina Brown. “I’m only 11, and I know I love shoes. Well .&nsbp;. . (fashion) boots, actually.”

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Even for a 30-year elementary teaching veteran like [Kris] Flewelling, the trip proved to be a real eye-opener.

“I had no idea Iowa played such a significant role in the Underground Railroad,” she said. “Plus, I was actually a student at Iowa State University and had no idea the role George Washington Carver played in ISU’s history!”

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