PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
Mississippi River: Landmarks and Legends is designed to expose
sixth through eighth grade students to life on the Mississippi River and to give them
the opportunity to learn about the transportation, culture,
wildlife, history, and commerce of the area. The electronic
field trip should also help students make their own connections
between the different subject areas, from the past to the
future, and from state to state by offering a comprehensive
view of the Mississippi River. The following subjects will
be discussed:
Immigration
The Mississippi River Museum will lead a discussion about
some of the reasons behind great increases in immigration
in the 1800s. Together, students and historians will trace
early immigration patterns up the Mississippi River.
Native
American History
The culture and history of early Native American peoples will
be revealed through archaeological artifacts. In a hands-on
activity, students will compare and contrast Indian arrowhead
replicas and identify the location of major Indian settlement
camps along the river’s banks.
Wildlife
Along with learning about animals native to the area, students
will havethe opportunity to talk to wild life experts and
learn about habitat and conservation efforts. A four-year
old eagle will serve as symbol for current approaches to bring
the native animals back to their original habitats and population
levels.
Zebra
Mussels
Newly introduced to the waters of the Mississippi River, this
aquatic nuisance species is a problem that nearly all of the
river experts are attempting to solve. Students will meet
a mussel diver that will explain the trouble zebra mussels
cause to industry and environment.
Buttons
and Pearls
Students will be exposed to clamming practices and the history
of button and pearl industries located on the Mississippi
River.
River
Vessels
Students will have the opportunity to tour some popular vessels
found on the river today, including a fishing boat, a stern-wheel
houseboat, a coast guard boat, and a sport boat. Pilots will
also discuss their important role and the specific function
of their vessel.
Lewis
and Clark
Students will learn of the excitement Lewis and Clark experienced
upon discovering the Mississippi River and share in the early
explorer’s realization of the importance of the river
for commerce and transportation.
Music
and Literature
Entertainer and impersonator Jim Post will pose as one of
the most the celebrated river characters, Mark Twain. He will
play traditional river music and spin a tall tale about the
Mississippi River.
Grain
Shipping
Students will discover the importance of the river as a economic
highway for shipping industries of today. The grain shipment
process will be tracked from the river’s banks in the
Midwest to destined markets around the globe. 
Fur
Trading
Along the pelt-rich banks of the Mississippi River, many early
immigrants and Native Americans made a living hunting. Historians
will reveal how early Native Americans and European settlers
survived through trapping and trade.
