TAH Participants:

 

We are looking forward to the Immersion Weekend with great anticipation.  This should be an exciting opportunity to really delve into history, in an authentic historical setting.  Our hosts at Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association (PVMA) are preparing a rich offering of events for the weekend.

 

Attached is the schedule of events for Friday and Saturday, April 7^th and 8th.  The weekend includes morning coffee and pastries and lunch on Friday and Saturday, and dinner on Friday night. 

 

Please note that many of you are scheduled to stay at the Red Roof Inn on Friday night, April 7^th.  You do not need to check in prior to coming to Old Deerfield, as we have secured the rooms.  We have provided the inn with a room list, so your room should be ready when you arrive. Check-in time is 1:00 pm. Check-out time is 12:00 noon.

 

Coffee and pastries will be available at the registration site for the opening session on both Friday and Saturday mornings. If you are looking for a larger breakfast, there is a Dunkin Donuts near the Inn and a diner on Route 5/10 just across Route 91.  There are also breakfast places in South Deerfield and Greenfield.

 

Preparation for the Friday seminar:

 

Please bring your copy of the Gordon Wood book The American Revolution.   You received this book either as part of the first book group or in a recent mailing.  Here are suggested reading passages and two focus questions from Dr. Wood to help you prepare for the seminar:

 

Reading:  Part II, pp. 32-44; Part IV; Part VII; Bibliographic Note

 

Focus Questions:

1)      What is the difference between the English constitution and the American Constitution?

2)      What comes to mind when you think of “representation” with regard to the American system of government?

 

Preparation for the Saturday seminar:

 

You will receive a hard copy mailing in the next few days with a reading and focus questions from Dr. Vorenberg for the Saturday seminar.

 

Here are a few suggestions to make your weekend more enjoyable:

 

• Please wear comfortable shoes.  Several of the breakout sessions are walking tours of buildings and grounds on the Old Deerfield site.
• As always in New England, please be prepared for a variety of weather
• Dinner at the Hall Tavern on Friday night is buffet-style, from 7:00p.m. to 8:30p.m.
• We suggest you check out of the Red Roof Inn on Saturday morning, since the schedule for Saturday is quite full and you might not have time to return to the Inn before the checkout time of noon.
• Please remember to bring your binder

 

Directions from the south:

 

Route 91 North to Exit 24

Right at the end of the exit ramp.

Continue straight on Routes 5/10 North for about ¼ mile.  The Red Roof Inn is on the left.

 

Directions to Old Deerfield:

 

From the Red Roof Inn, get back on Routes 5/10 North and go five (5) miles.  Left on Memorial Street onto the Old Deerfield  grounds. The White Church Community Center will be on your right.  Please park in the lot at 10 Memorial Street.  There will be people there to guide you.

 

Regards,

 

Stephen W. Billias

Project Coordinator

Center for Teacher Education and Research

Westfield State College

Parenzo Hall, Room 108

577 Western Ave.

Westfield, MA 01086

1-413-572-8150

sbillias@wsc.ma.edu