Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING ALABAMA PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING ALABAMA PATCH PROGRAM
complete 3 requirements to earn this patch
you can print this page and share it with others

1. Locate Alabama on a map of the USA. Locate the capital and identify the state flag. Recognize the state flower, bird and insect.

2. Deep in the “Heart of Dixie” is Sweet Alabama. Its land is full of wonderful adventures to enjoy from Lookout Mountain to the Chattahoochee River. Some exciting adventures include: Fishing, boating, camping, hiking, caving, or horseback riding.

3. Throughout the state of Alabama, a diverse culture produces a large array of tasty traditional recipes. Try some of the following: Blueberry pie, peanut butter fudge, corn sticks, homemade peach ice cream, egg bread, barbecued potatoes, or fried catfish.

4. More than 300 different species of birds live the majority of the year in Alabama. Go on a scavenger hunt outdoors. Be sure to look for signs of birds and other animals. Find five different trees, plants, insects or flowers.

5. Learn more about Alabama during the colonial era. Where did the first settlers come from? What foods did they eat? How were their foods prepared? What types of clothing did they wear? What were the daily chores of their children? What types of jobs were available? Choose one of the following: Visit a colonial festival or reenactment, make paper dolls dressed in colonial clothing, conduct a skit or play about the colonial era, make a whirly gig or play a colonial game, or draw a colonial picture.

6. Alabama has several rich folk traditions. Research one of the following traditions: basketry, pottery, quilting, painting, canning, sewing, folk singing and dancing. Share what you learned with others.

7. George Washington Carver taught farmers how to grow better crops. He accomplished many other things in his life. Find out more about other well-known African-American citizens in Alabama such as: Rosa Parks, Booker T. Washington, and Mae Jemison.

8. The Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Cherokee are four of the main Native American tribes that were once located in Alabama. Research how and where they lived. What skills did they need to survive? What did they eat? What is a wampum and how was it used? If you can, visit a festival, Pow Wow, or historical site reflecting Native American heritage in Alabama. Choose one of the following: Prepare and complete a skit, conduct a play, make paper dolls dressed in native clothing, or make a pictograph using symbols for words.

9. Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Although she was deaf and blind, she managed to graduate from college. Learn more about Helen Keller and her miracle life. For extra credit learn how to spell your name in sign language.

10. No matter what region of Alabama you choose, you will feel the ambiance of a small town or view the a variety of museums or historical attractions. Research or visit a historical site in Alabama such as: The Pioneer Museum, Ivy Green, or simply take a stroll through one of its quaint little town filled with historic homes, churches and public buildings.

11. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world. Attend a festival, county fair, or any traditional event in your area. Other well-known festivals are: The Blueberry Festival, National Peanut Festival, Helen Keller Festival, or Harvest Day Festival.

12. In 1886, the world’s first electric trolley car was introduced in Montgomery, Alabama. What did it look like? Does it look the same today? What did they use them for? How fast does it go? How far does it go? For extra draw a trolley car or take a ride on a trolley car.

13. The Sequayah Caverns is considered an “underground palace”. What is a stalagmite? Learn more about caverns or caves. For extra credit visit one in your area.

14. Many years ago, cotton was the main crop grown in Alabama. In 1833, the cotton gin was invented to help prepare the abundance of cotton for sale. Who invented the cotton gin? What did it look like? How did it work?

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this state. If you have the privilege of visiting this state, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the state prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.