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Tag: Dallas Museum of Arts

Day 1: Dallas Historical Tour–Tessa Fendley

I, and other students involved in the L.E.A.P program, set off on our adventure to Dallas around noon this Friday afternoon, stopping along the way to visit the esteemed Woodbine Hotel for lunch, which is known for making delicious meals slathered in mushrooms. I ordered the alfredo pasta with vegetables, and it was delightful. The mushrooms were all that they had been hyped to be. We set off again after lunch, full and anxious to continue on to Dallas.

We arrived at the JFK 6th Floor Museum and quickly began our tour. We exlored the early campaigning techniques of JFK, focusing partly on how he used his youth to his advantage, as well as having the opportunity to have one the first televised presidential debates. This may have proved decisive, as he won by a small margin.

What I thought was very interesting was learning more about the public works programs he established, specifically the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is government funded mission work, originally established by JFK to send service people to foreign countries to try and aid in what he hoped would be the eradication of Communism. Eventually JFK decided that these measures alone were not enough and the program was expanded. For me, this was very inspirational and hit close to home, as I hope to one day become involved in the Peace Corps.

Next we ventured on to dinner, and from there to the Dallas Museum of Art. There were many interesting things to be seen here. There was art work by well-known artists such as Picasso to anonymous, cultural artifacts from all over the globe. My favorite exhibit by a wide margin was the African artifacts. I particularly enjoyed seeing and learning about the different types of hats and masks that were worn in Africa…

African_HatsMy favorite was a hat that doubles as a mask…

African Hat and Mask
African Hat and Mask

The Museum also had an African map, designating the location the artifacts were collected.

Africa_Map

For a freshman who wishes to do volunteer work in Africa as a junior, it was an exciting preview of things to come!  And in that spirit, we left the Museum and headed to the hotel, equally anticipatory of the second day of our trip.

Author mikeyawnPosted on September 22, 2013September 22, 2013Categories Art, Civic Engagement, Politics, TravelTags Africa, Dallas, Dallas Museum of Arts, Peace Corps, Sixth Floor Museum, Texas, Woodbine HotelLeave a comment on Day 1: Dallas Historical Tour–Tessa Fendley

Day 1: Dallas Historical Tour–Zach Goodlander

Broadening our horizons is what most college students want to accomplish during their education, but most don’t get the opportunity to do so. After just one day in Dallas, however, seven SHSU students are getting just such an opportunity.

This is my first educational field trip at SHSU, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thus far, it’s been great, offering me the opportunity to meet fellows students (now new friends!) with similar interests as myself.

Our first stop was lunch at “The Woodbine” in Madisonville, where I ordered the grilled Chicken Alfredo.  The Woodbine is also a bed and breakfast and a very well preserved building of the Victorian era.  Its historic look and the fine food already have me wondering about a return trip in the future.

From there we trudged north, through rain, and arrived at Dealey Plaza, the site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination.  The Sixth Floor Museum is so named because it was the sixth floor from which Oswald shot the President.

6th Floor of the Dallas Book Depository
6th Floor of the Dallas Book Depository

The Museum is well done, with audio accompaniment and thousands of artifacts showcasing the Kennedy era—the Cold War, Civil Rights, and, of course, the assassination. It’s disconcerting to move from the “Kennedy Family” exhibit to the “Assassination” exhibit, and have the tour change from an upbeat history to the terror of a presidential killing.  The sniper’s nest used by Oswald is amazingly well preserved, so much so that this section seems frozen in time.

The most interesting section was the Kennedy Funeral. Not only did Kennedy’s death mark an end to an era—the end of Camelot—but, as a Catholic, I felt a personal connection to the funeral ceremony, which honored the life of the first and, thus far, only Catholic President.

The Museum offered a special exhibit on presidential photographs.  We saw photos of Harding shaking hands with Babe Ruth…

President Harding with Babe Ruth
President Harding with Babe Ruth

…Nixon meeting Elvis…

Thank Ya, Thank Ya Very Much
Thank Ya, Thank Ya Very Much

…but none, unfortunately, of my favorite President, Calvin Coolidge (editor’s note: for good reason)…

After a stop at Spaghetti Warehouse for dinner, we headed to the Dallas Museum of Art.  The Museum has floors dedicated to various exhibits, from the “Art of the Americas” to the “Art of Europe” and art from India, Africa, Greece, and other civilizations.  I’m not astute art admirer, but there were some names I recognized: Rodin, Monet, and Picasso.  But my favorite was “The Adoration of the Shepherds” by Paolo de Matteis.

Adoration of the Shepherds
Adoration of the Shepherds

As I wrap up my first day on my first trip I look to ahead to broader horizons and more opportunities in the form of the New Politics Forum’s Careers in Politics Seminar at SMU.

Author mikeyawnPosted on September 21, 2013September 21, 2013Categories Art, Civic Engagement, Law, TravelTags Adoration of the Shepherds, Dallas Museum of Arts, John F. Kennedy, Paolo De Matteis, Sixth Floor Museum, Woodbine HotelLeave a comment on Day 1: Dallas Historical Tour–Zach Goodlander

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