Jonathan Hager and his home are featured. Using a wall map or desk maps of Maryland, have students estimate, then measure, the distance from their school to Hagerstown. 110 miles per day Based on these figures, ask students to determine how long it would take Jonathan Hager to travel from his home to Annapolis to attend meetings. Ask students to estimate the amount of time it would take to cover the distance in a bus or a car traveling the posted speed limit. Review with students the differences in lifestyles between the settlers on the western frontier of Maryland and those living in the Tidewater area.
Students can make a retrieval chart to show the differences.
Have the class compose a business letter to the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau in Hagerstown requesting information about the establishment of the town. During the tour, have students observe the authentic furnishings of the home, the various artifacts shown at the adjacent museum, and the architectural features of the house. This weathervane was commissioned by Jonathan Hager and was on top of City Hall until 1935 when it was placed in the museum. Others could do research on weathervanes of this time period, including materials used, designs, and the significance and purpose of weathervanes. Divide the class into six groups.