Making History Fun

I’ve enjoyed exchanging emails over the past month with Heather Lucas of Dunn. Heather is spending the summer traveling across the state with her nine year old daughter Jessica visiting N.C. historical sites. Heather and Jessica are devoting two days each week to their travels.

Heather says she decided to do this after Jessica expressed a keen interest in history. As Heather put it: “Jessica is almost to the age where ‘hanging with mom’ is not cool and I want to get every minute I can until then. I want to feed her interest of history as much as I can.”

Heather can do this because she has flexibility in her schedule. Heather runs a sewing business and can “work and play at her own pace.” This mother-daughter venture is seen as a blessing to both.

“As a mom, my short term pay off is spending great time with my daughter. She is learning hands-on about history and less time playing hand-held video games. As for long term, Jessica will be more educated in history, life and may come in handy in school for her one day. If she becomes a historian, a writer, tour guide, re-enactor, teacher or whatever because of her travels, that would be wonderful. She is learning and we are making memories at the same time. It’s great!"

I asked Jessica what her favorite destination has been so far. Roanoke Island took top honors. She said she is having a great time and it’s mostly free: “I just have to pay for my souvenirs.” Of course, Heather has to pay for the gas, food and an occasional overnight stay. Heather’s favorite historical site so far is Bentonville.

Heather and Jessica have put together a wonderful blog on their travels: http://northcakalackytravel.travellerspoint.com/

Where else should this mother-daughter team visit this summer to get a true taste of Tarheelia? Please offer your suggestions.