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Big Adventures and a History Hunt


As we sat on the porch this morning, easing into our day, we started talking about our next big adventure. We plan to make it all the way to Canada this time, Prince Edward Island to be exact. The conversation led us back to our last big adventure, and all of our favorite parts. Tim said that Abe Lincoln (the Lincoln Memorial) was his favorite part of the last trip, and then Molly said that seeing Napoleon Bonaparte's chess set was her favorite. That got us thinking...What was that chess set made of? Bone or Ivory? A quick Internet search on my phone told us that it was carved from ivory, but we found another little fact too! Napoleon thought that he was being poisoned, so he ordered that after his death there be an autopsy to determine the cause. When he died an autopsy was preformed and his heart was placed on this table. From HERE: "According to Biltmore archives, the chess set is 19th-century ivory from China. It rests on a gaming table in which the heart of the emperor was said to have been placed after his death at St. Helena."  Another online source says that the table still carried a faint blood stain. Homeschool never ends here! This is my favorite kind of learning experience. My children are interested because they feel like they are a part of this, I mean they have seen this table with their own eyes! They want to know more! So today we will go on a wild goose chase through history to find out more about this chess set and Napoleon Bonaparte, and maybe even add another stop to our next big adventure! xo, Sam

PS. If you know any interesting facts about Napoleon, or this chess set please share!
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Melissa said…
This is how my mom taught us as well. She let us follow the things that interested us and let us learn while we thought it was all fun and games. So neat!
July 17, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Unknown said…
We love PEI! My brother in law has several homes up there and lots of property. It's so beautiful! The people are so down to earth and friendly. Enjoy!
July 17, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Janet said…
I've wanted to go to Prince Edward Island ever since I discovered the "Anne" books by L.M. Montgomery. Hoping to get there someday - in the meantime, I hope you & your family have a great trip!
July 17, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Bethany said…
I've wanted to go to PE Island for a while...I'm jealous!
July 18, 2012 at 2:14 PM
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