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Contextualizing Hoyt Sherman Place

General Information
Grade 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade Class Social Studies Length of Lesson 60-90 minutes
Lesson Title Contextualizing Hoyt Sherman Place
Unit Title Hoyt Sherman: Venturing into the Unknown
Unit Compelling Question
Historical Context:

When Hoyt Sherman arrived in Des Moines in 1848 the population was only 127.  He took on many jobs and roles that helped Des Moines become a business and cultural center.  He studied law and passed the Iowa Bar in 1849. He worked with other community leaders to establish post offices, schools, waterworks, banks, and railways.  This gave Des Moines a strong infrastructure for increasing the population rapidly.  The population increased to 22,000 in 1880 and 50,000 in 1890.  His business and law background gave him the knowledge to create Equitable Life Insurance Company.  This was a huge boost to the economy of Des Moines and helped to establish it as one of the insurance capitals of the world, which it remains to this day.

The Sherman family had a big impact o the United States during the mid-1800s.  Other family members, besides Hoyt, include General William Tecumseh Sherman (Civil War General), John Sherman (Sherman Anti-Trust Act, Ohio Senator and Secretary of Treasury), Charles Sherman (Ohio Supreme Court), Lampson Sherman (newspaper owner and mayor of Des Moines), and more.

Emily Roeder, Education Program Coordinator, Hoyt Sherman Place
Lesson Supporting Question

How does Hoyt Sherman Place reflect the cultural, historical, and artistic changes in Des Moines and the broader world over time?
Lesson Overview

Students will explore Hoyt Sherman Place, its history, and its impact on Des Moines and Iowa. They will create timelines, analyze art and architecture, and make a collage to see how the building reflects cultural and historical changes.  This lesson prepares them to think critically for their upcoming visit.
Primary Sources Used
Diary 2018.002.005
Photograph 2018.003.006
Photograph 2018.003.007
Photograph 2018.003.008
Photograph 2018.003.009
Resources Needed

Resources Needed: Powerpoint, Curriculum Guide, research materials, and historic places video, art supplies.

Sherman family history Powerpoint pdf

History Powerpoint pdf

Curriculum

Hoyt Sherman Place video

Hoyt Sherman Place website
Standard
Lesson Target

Students will explore the historical significance of Hoyt Sherman Place, its impact on Des Moines and Iowa, and how its art and architecture reflect cultural and historical contexts.
Lesson Themes Settlers / Pioneers, Visual Arts, Cities, Early Business and Industry
Lesson Procedure
StepProcedureTimeDifferentiation plan / Additional Information
1Introduction: Students will examine the historical and cultural importance of Hoyt Sherman Place and its connection to global events.20 min.

Background Information: Introduce Hoyt Sherman Place, discussing its evolution from a family home to a theater and art museum.  Highlight key events like the construction of the theater and the role of the Des Moines Women's Club.  Use PowerPoints, website, or video to guide the overview.

Discussion: Show a picture; has anyone been to Hoyt Sherman Place before? What are your first impressions?

Historical Context: Explore how Hoyt Sherman Place mirrors broader historical events, such as the Civil War, World War I, and early 20th century cultural shifts.

2Historical Connections Activity: Students will create a timeline linking events at Hoyt Sherman Place with early 20th-century history and discuss how the building reflects global changes.30 min.

Task: Create a comparative timeline linking events at Hoyt Sherman Place with broader historical events, analyzing how the building's changes reflect or respond to global developments.  Use the provided template or create your own to document images and text supporting findings.  Work individually or in pairs.

Discussion:  Share findings in small groups.  Prompt discussions with questions about how these connections illustrate broader historical and cultural shifts.

3Art Collage and Analysis:  Students will analyze Hoyt Sherman Place's art and architecture, create a timeline collage, and reflect on how these elements show changing values and cultural contexts. 

Image Analysis:  Examine and discuss images of Hoyt Sherman Place's art and architecture.  Identify features and styles reflecting cultural/historical contexts and changing times/traditions.

Create the Collage: Step 1 - Divide the paper into sections for different time periods or styles. Step 2 - Glue images onto each section to show art and architecture progression or create your own images.  Step 3 - Add captions explaining how each image reflects its era's values and identity.

Reflection: If time permits, write a brief reflection on how the artwork and architecture in the collage illustrates changing values and cultural contexts in society.

4Closure: Students will review what they've learned and get ready for their visit to Hoyt Sherman Place.10 min.

Summary: Recap key points about Hoyt Sherman Place's historical significance.

Reflection: If time permits, write a brief reflection on how the artwork and architecture in the collage illustrates changing values and cultural contexts in society.
Assessment
Formative Assessment
(How will you use the formative assessments to monitor and inform instruction?)

Questions, reflections, research, collage, and presentations.
Summative Assessment
(How does the lesson connect to planned summative assessment(s)?)

N/A
Author Information
Author Emily Roeder Created Last Edited
Reviewer: Emily Roeder, Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
Lesson Plan Development Notes: Use the curriculum guide for extensions as well as opportunities to engage with the museum and incorporate visual arts.
Diary
2018.002.005 [Diary]
Photograph
2018.003.006 [Photograph]
Photograph
2018.003.007 [Photograph]
Photograph
2018.003.008 [Photograph]
Photograph
2018.003.009 [Photograph]