Author Archives: Terry Lee Marzell

About Terry Lee Marzell

Terry Lee Marzell holds a bachelor's degree in English from Cal State Fullerton and a master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Cal State San Bernardino. She also holds a certificate for Interior Design Level 1 from Mt. San Antonio College. She has been an educator in the Corona Norco Unified School District for more than 30 years.

Explore the New Massachusetts State House, in person or virtually

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One of the best ways to create meaningful experiential learning experiences is travel. A great place to travel to is Boston, Massachusetts. In a city full of historical sites and fascinating museums, one of the most interesting is the New Massachusetts State House. Any state capitol building is fun to tour—and we have been to several of them—but the Massachusetts State House is one of the most beautiful, and is particularly steeped in early American history, so I would encourage teachers and students to visit this one especially.

The Greek Revival-inspired architecture and the golden dome of the New Massachusetts State House in Boston is graced by the equestrian statue honoring Civil War hero General Joseph Hooker. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

The New Massachusetts State House is one of the oldest state capitol buildings currently in use. The structure, designed by 19th-century American architect Charles Bulfinch, is considered a masterpiece of Federal architecture and among this architect’s finest works. In fact, the building was designated a national Historic Landmark for its architectural significance.

Located on the summit of Beacon Hill, the State House is easily recognizable by its Greek Revival-inspired architecture and its beautiful golden dome. The dome was originally constructed of wood, which was later covered in copper by Paul Revere in 1802. In 1874, the dome was covered in a very thin layer of gold leaf, and that’s what gives it such a brilliant hue. Numerous statues of Massachusetts heroes can be found on the grounds, including an equestrian statue of General Joseph Hooker, a Civil War hero who fought on the Union side, and a bronze sculpture of President John F. Kennedy.

This beautiful House of Representatives chamber in the New Massachusetts State House is graced by lovely wood paneling and spectacular decorative elements. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

The location of state government for over 200 years, the New Massachusetts State House is also a museum reflecting the history of the Commonwealth since it early beginnings in colonial times. The structure features nine historic spaces, including the Massachusetts House of Representatives and  Senate. Also highlighted are paintings, sculptures, stained-glass windows, artifacts, and decorative arts commemorating the people and events that helped to shape not only the Massachusetts Commonwealth, but also the nation.

The New State House is well worth a visit, but if it is not possible to escort your students on an in-person visit, you can encourage them to explore this excellent online virtual tour of the facility.

Whether you travel to the  New Massachusetts State House in person or virtually, I wish you and your students happy learning!

The USS Constitution offers opportunities in experiential learning

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Many educators would agree that one of the best methods of experiential learning is travel. Travel allows the student to fully experience a locale with all the senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. And one of the most rewarding destinations for travel for both students and teachers is Boston, Massachusetts.

The author’s husband, Hal Marzell, explores the USS Constitution, often referred to by the nickname Old Ironsides. The ship is berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

My husband, Hal, and I made a pilgrimage to this historic city last month. There we visited many sites associated with our nation’s history. One of the places we toured is the museum ship named the USS Constitution. This venerable ship is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a US National Historical Landmark.

The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest ship still afloat. Launched in 1797, the vessel is best known for its action during the War of 1812. During this conflict, the crew of the Constitution‘s defeated no less than four British frigates during three separate battles. She accomplished this feat with only 44 canons! One of these engagements was against the HMS Guierriere, a formidable foe boasting 100 guns. During the battle, it appeared as if the enemy’s cannonballs could not penetrate the Constitution‘s strong oak hull, and that’s how she earned her nickname Old Ironsides.

Author Terry Lee Marzell explores the deck of the USS Constitution, experimenting with turning the ship’s large helm. Photo credit: Hal Marzell

Still fully-commissioned by the US Navy, the ship is manned by a crew of 75 officers and sailors on active duty. During the hours the vessel is open to the public, some of these sailors serve as interpretive historians and are available to answer questions and ensure public safety, if any teacher is able to escort a class to the site for a visit.

The USS Constitution is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Admission is free. A museum is also located on the grounds and provides engaging and hands-on experiences for visitors. Here students can explore how the ship was built, sailed, and preserved. If you are unable to escort your class on a tour of the ship, your students can explore the following website:  USS Constitution.

Whether you and your students visit the site in person or online, I wish you happy learning!

JFK Presidential Library offers learning opportunities for your students

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Most teachers would agree that one of the best methods of experiential learning is visiting museums. And among the finest museums to visit in order to learn about American history is a presidential library. These museums, administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), feature historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and, often, Oval Office reproductions. There are 13 presidential museums and libraries within the NARA system that would make an excellent field trip for you and your students.

Hal Marzell prepares to enter the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum located in Columbia Point, Massachusetts. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

Recently, on a vacation to Boston, my husband and I visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum located in Columbia Point, Massachusetts, near the campus of the University of Massachusetts. The building which houses the museum is impressive. The facility was designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei, who was personally selected by Jackie Kennedy for the project. The structure, which faces Dorchester Bay, features a glass pavilion filled with natural light and a gorgeous view.

The exhibits contained within the structure include artifacts from Kennedy’s campaign trail, the 1960 Democratic Convention, the US Space Program, the Peace Corps, a piece of the Berlin Wall, a replica of Kennedy’s Oval Office with a reproduction of the famous Resolute desk, gifts received by the president while on tour in Ireland, select articles of clothing belonging to Jackie Kennedy, and a reproduction of the office Robert F. Kennedy used while serving as the country’s Attorney General. Also on display is the president’s  25-foot sailboat Victura. Throughout the museum movie screens are available showing video clips of Kennedy’s most important speeches and other milestones and aspects of his life and presidency.

Terry Lee Marzell examines an exhibit depicting the 1960 Democratic Convention where John F. Kennedy was declared the party’s candidate for president. Photo credit: Hal Marzell

The interiors of the museum are dignified and the displays are elegantly displayed, but to be honest, other presidential libraries contain many more exhibits and artifacts. I think the reason why this collection seems comparitively small is because Kennedy’s was a short presidency, and possibly the family held on to many of the president’s personal possessions for sentimental reasons. Nevertheless, arranging a visit to this library and museum for your students would be well worth the effort. If an in-person visit is not possible, your students can access a virtual tour on this website: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Whether you visit the site in person or online, I wish you and your students happy learning!

 

Teacher, coach, football player, and WW II veteran Tony Zuzzio

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Teacher, coach, former professional football player, and World War II veteran Tony Zuzzio. Photo credit: Muhlenberg College

Many fine athletes devote their considerable talent as educators and coaches after they have concluded their professional careers. This is certainly true of Tony Zuzzio, a long-time teacher and coach who once played professional football for the Detroit Lions.

Anthony Joseph Zuzzio was born on August 5, 1916, in Irvington, Essex County, New Jersey. He grew up in nearby Belleville, where he attended Belleville High School. As a teenager, Tony excelled at multiple sports. For his achievements as an athlete, Tony was inducted into his high school Hall of Fame in 1977.

Following his high school graduation, Tony enrolled in Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he played the position of tackle on the football team. While there he was named an All-American. Following his college experience, Tony played professional football in the National Football League (NFL). The 5’11”, 215-pound youth played as both a guard and a tackle for the Detroit Lions during the 1942 season.

Tony was a true American hero. During World War II, the former football star served his country in the armed services, where he earned an American Theater Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

After his military service, Tony coached baseball in Coffeyville in Kansas. There the consummate coach took his team to a national title. For the span of 34 years, Tony channeled his energy as a teacher and coach at nearby Edna High School in Kansas, then at Chetopa High School in Labette County, next at Elk City, Kansas, and finally at Humbolt High School in Humbolt, Kansas. In addition, from 1964 to 1966, Tony moonlighted as a professional scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On April 7, 2002, this Chalkboard Champion and American veteran passed away in Lawrence, Kansas. He was 85 years old. He is interred at Mount Olive Roman Catholic Cemetery in Parsons, Kansas.