Learning More About Seafaring Life & Colonial America

The annual Grade Five overnight trip to Mystic, Conn., on September 28 began with a self-guided tour of Mystic Seaport. Head of Middle School Sam Keany, who accompanied the boys, offers this report:

Along with teachers Dan Ragsdale and Kris Pischel, the boys stepped out of the bus in glorious weather. They saw a wide range of original ocean vessels, including the renovation of the Mayflower II, a replica of the original Puritan vessel. Mystic Aquarium was the second stop. In small groups, the boys were entranced with sociable beluga whales, cautious to stroke stingless stingrays, and entertained by dexterous sea lions in their afternoon show. A very full first day concluded with a trip to the local cineplex to an exclusive viewing -- since the theater was empty - of the "Ninjago" movie, and lots of popcorn!

On Friday morning after breakfast at the Mystic Parthenon Diner, the boys enjoyed a tour of the exhibits at the impressive Mashantucket Pequot Museum, where they viewed the life of colonial era Native Americans at close quarters. The boys remarked thoughtfully throughout the tour, taking in details of tools, practices and social structures that inform their curriculum in immediate ways.