Purpose: A focused examination of the Robert Long House will yield insights into the lifestyle of a Baltimorean of his stature in the early years of the city. Furniture and other household items provide clues to the lifestyle of Robert Long, and the house itself serves as an artifact of the times in which he lived. After visiting the Robert Long House, visitors will be able to:
Explain how the many items in the house, and the house itself, provide clues to describing the past
Hypothesize lifestyle characteristics of the merchant class at Fell's Point c. 1800
Procedure: The docent should have the following materials available when implementing this learning experience:
A copy of the Visitor Resource Sheet, "The Robert Long House" for each visitor
Pencils
1. The visiting group should be in the courtyard or in front of the Robert Long House. Ask:
What are some facts you remember about Robert Long and where he lived? (This question assumes that the teacher implemented the reading activity that was included in the teacher's guide. If the activity was not used, the docent should relate a brief summary of Robert Long and the house.)
Direct the attention of visitors to the exterior of the house. Ask visitors to observe the house and tell you what they see. Responses could include brick construction, pent roof, glass window pattern, etc. Point out these characteristics if the visitors do not bring them up. Then ask:
a. We know that the most abundant building material in 18th century Baltimore was wood. It is also known that glass was very expensive. What can we tell about Robert Long from these facts and our observations? (Responses: Perhaps he was well-to-do; he used expensive building materials; he wanted his house to reflect his wealth; etc).
b. What are some things you would expect to find inside the house of a person who would build a home like this one? (Responses: Get responses from several visitors. This will set up the tour of the interior of the house.)
2. Prior to entering the house, distribute Visitor Resource
Sheet, "The Robert Long House," to each visitor. For
ease of handling, the Resource Sheet could be on a clipboard.
Briefly describe the rooms in the house. Direct visitors to observe
the items in the rooms and to make notes on their Resource Sheets
as they tour the house.
When the house tour is completed and the Resource Sheets are filled in, discuss the questions at the bottom of the Resource Sheet. These questions are:
a. What evidence is there that Robert Long was a business person?
b. What did you observe that shows that Robert Long had a family?
c. What evidence is there that the Long family enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle?
Summary:
1. How would you describe the lifestyle of the Long Family in modern terms?
2. How does examining the house and its interior help in retelling the past of Robert Long's family?
3. Why is it important to preserve historic sites such as the Robert Long House?
4. Ask if there are questions about the house and its interior.