Multicultural Statue of Liberty
Grade Levels: 5 - 8
INTRODUCTIONThe Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor has greeted more than 17 million immigrants, raising their hopes and dreams as high as she holds her burning torch against the sky. She is an impressive structure and an awesome sight. One hundred two feet tall, the Statue of Liberty stands proudly on a 150-foot pedestal. The torch and flame were the first part of this statue to reach the United States from Paris, France, by way of Philadelphia, PA. The Statue of Liberty herself is, you might say, an immigrant – she is Franco-American! The Statue of Liberty was designed by the French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. In his Parisian studio, the artist engaged a female model who helped develop the vision for the great woman that now stands against the famous New York City skyline.
Ideas for Bartholdi's methods of construction were inspired by a 17th-century statue he had seen in Italy. Many renowned hands and minds assisted in raising what is now among the tallest monuments in the world. A project of this size requires collaboration! Gustave Eiffel helped engineer the iron infrastructure (yes, the same Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower). At one point, American sculptor Gutzon Borglum, creator of Mount Rushmore, helped correct the lighting in the flame. Contributions from American newspaper giant Joseph Pulitzer also aided in financing the many-layered project. The Statue of Liberty herself, made of thin copper plates that move like a skin in response to weather and wind, stands firmly for the liberty of all nations.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States to mark the
U.S.'s centennial celebration of independence from Great Britain. She is truly
international: The seven spikes of her crown represent the seven continents
and seven seas of our world. With tablet and torch in hand, she is both strong
and flexible – a woman of compassion, conviction, and hope.
"She has come to stand for the common hope of the old world and the new...the
peace of mankind – all people living together in justice, mutual respect,
and prosperity. This hope has come closest to being realized in America...by
free men from many nations," stated American President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
This message is as true today as ever. The mighty, colossal, and classical lady
in the harbor remains faithful. All are welcome, all are equal: This is the
spirit that has made America the diverse and tolerant land known throughout
the world for its willingness to embrace these ideals. We have our struggles,
but America is still a living, growing nation that continues to strive for liberty
and justice for all.
MATERIALS
TEACHER PREPARATION
Do we have some souvenirs, replicas, and books that honor the indomitable Statue
of Liberty? You and/or your students may wish to bring objects to class for
this cultural heritage lesson. Students should be encouraged to interview their
grandparents or "elders" for what they remember about their families'
arrival in the United States. If objects are portable (and with household permission
secured!) they may be brought to class for storytelling and personal accounts.
Objects such as a shawl, a vest, a crocheted handbag, socks, mittens, hair combs
– and especially toys – will all help bring the immigrant and settlement
experience closer to home. Books that show diverse national world costumes would
also be helpful. You may wish to share ideas shown on A
Wonderful Way to Display Our Proud Heritage!
You will want to precut lengths of white kraft paper to "life size" (or approximate size) of the students participating in the lesson. Students may wish to give the new American citizens they will create "a little something" to take with them on their travels as a special gift. Objects that may be held in the statues' hands include fans, photo albums, cassette tapes, toys, or other ideas inspired by actual items. The emphasis of the objects and ideas is on heritage and pride, but be sure they are not so exclusively personal that they can't be exchanged with the class.
If you wish to use "real-world" details such as toy "wiggle" eyes, trim, lace doilies, and other notions, please have on hand the white glue needed for attaching. Luster or metallic acrylic paint will recall the sterling material presence of our Lady Liberty, to whom this activity is dedicated.
Note: This project may be a "buddy" project, if desired.
PROCEDURES
1) Discuss the amazing structure we know as the Statue of Liberty, and what
she represents. Ask students to bring forward any objects they may have garnered
from their households. While this lesson focuses on the Ellis Island experience,
no one should feel excluded. Realize that the matter of how people came to be
Americans is sometimes a sensitive subject, so handle this with care. Also realize
that this discussion may require more than the usual introduction time allotted.
2) Before students begin, have them think about what objects would be carried
by immigrants on their way to the "New World." Objects may be personal
items or those that represent cultural ideas. Be sure to place precious objects
out of harm's way. Distribute paper, pencils, markers, paints, and any other
materials to be included in the lesson. Show (or reproduce copies of) A
Wonderful Way to Display Our Proud Heritage! in order to generate ideas
for objects.
3) Students will sketch an outline of the Statue of Liberty posture – one arm raised, the other hand holding a tablet or tablet-sized object. The base may be included in the page design. Reinforce what is meant by "life size" and give the meaning of "colossal" or "monument-sized" structures.
4) Students' pencil drawings should reflect an understanding of proportion, scale, and balance. Garments selected to reflect students' heritage should convey a sense of national origin (Old World). Drawings will include a precious object clutched in one hand, supplied by exchange with a classmate or by students' own personal design.
5) Apply color either before or after black permanent marker line has been drawn to define the statue of heritage. Add accents or novelty details.
6) To complete the picture, students may paint the background to represent sky behind the colossal figure (lustrous paint is very effective here) or they can cut the figure away from roll paper for direct mounting.
7) How many Statues of Liberty can you fit into a display? The more the merrier and the more multicultural – just like America!
This activity is from Culture Smart.
