Historic Building Stone Exploration 

Hey, young History Detective! Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey to explore the historic buildings in your neighborhood right from your home. With this activity, you will uncover the unique building materials used in your city's historic structures.​

What You'll Need:

  • Curiosity and Imagination
  • ​Nature Journal, and pencils
  • Braille slate and stylus 
  • (Tactile) drawing paper
  • Favorite drawing tools
  • Tactile markers
  • ​Internet access for research 
  • ​Screen reader (if available)
  • Optional: family member or friend to assist

Instructions:

Step 1. Learn About Historic Buildings: 
  • Discover the history of your neighborhood's historic buildings. You can use online resources, books, or historical archives to gather information about these structures or ask a family member to share stories that they may have about the buildings' history.​
  • If required, use a screen reader.
  • Jot down what you learn in your Nature Journal or braille slate.


Step 2. Selection:
  • Select a few historical buildings that interest you. 
  • Pick buildings that you can research from your own home or library.


Step 3. Information Gathering:
  • Compile details on each selected building, such as its name, construction year, type of stone used, building address, and, if possible, the quarry location where the stone came from.
  • Note the original purpose of these buildings and what they are being used for now. 
  • Use the internet to find photos of the buildings. Use these to identify and describe the building's appearance, including colors and textures.
  • If required, use a screen reader.


Step 4. Virtual Exploration:
  • If you can explore these buildings virtually (e.g., through online tours or images), take note of the stone used in their construction.
  •  If you have low or no vision, search online for information about the architectural history of the building. 


Step 5. Description:
  • Describe the colors and textures of the stones used in the buildings' construction. Use descriptive words like smooth, rough, grey, rustic, etc.
  • ​If you have low or no vision, search online for historical records about the building's design and materials.


​Step 6. Create a Table:
  • Create a table or spreadsheet in your Nature Journal, braille slate, or on (tactile) drawing paper to organize your findings. Include columns for the building's name, year built, location, and construction materials. If known, include the location from which these materials came from.
  • If you have low or no vision, use tactile markers to outline the table or create a tactile version for easier data entry. 


Step 7. Write About Your Discoveries: ​
Write down all the information you've gathered in your table. Consider the historical importance of these buildings and the materials used to build them. 


Step 8. Questions:
Write the answers to the following questions in your Nature Journal or braille slate.
​
  1. How do the materials used to construct these buildings add to their historical significance?
  2. What problems do you think the architects and builders had when making these buildings?
  3. Do modern buildings use stone in the same way as historic buildings? 
  4. How is modern construction different? 
  5. How does knowing the materials used to construct a building improve our ability to maintain it?


Step 9: Share Your Discoveries:
You've been on a fascinating journey to uncover the history of some of your neighborhood's old buildings. Share your findings and reflections with family, friends, and others important to you!​ Your discoveries may spark curiosity and conversations about the rich stories embedded in the community's past.


Conclusion:
This historic building stone exploration connects you with the past. Whether indoors or walking through your neighborhood, enjoy discovering the architectural treasures that tell the story of your city! 

Image credit: Photograph by Felix Lipov