One of our favorite ways to learn is to make educational -- and hopefully fun field trips. I hope this page will be constantly under construction. Each of the sites reviewed on this page has been visited by me -- or someone who sends me a review. If possible, I'll include websites and/or telephone numbers
The Provincial House (Mother House of the Daughters of Charity) adjoining Basilica which houses the remains of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, museum and gift shop Mother Seton's first house in Emmitsburg and the White House cemetary and the Grotto -- duplicate of Lourdes which includes the Stations of the Cross and other statues -- grotto often has masses or recitation of the rosary. Location: Emmitsburg, MD (1hr 15min from Balto)
Comment: We make this trip several times a year as a family but we've also gone with a group. This is a beautiful part of Maryland. It is peaceful and meditative. This is both a religious and historical site. There is plenty to see and it's all located within walking distance of each other--except the grotto which one can drive to--only a couple miles away. It is a great trip to relearn Mother Seton's life, death and canonization. Call ahead for times of tours, but even if you just show up, tours are every few minutes. Relive early Catholicism in Maryland!
(I received this review from a visitor to the web page -- I hope to receive many more. I haven't been to the grotto, but my oldest son has -- and agrees with every word of the review) Recommended for all ages -- groups and families. Fully handicapped accessible. There is a web page at National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton with hours of operation, map, email and snailmail contacts, and a brief biography of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
The Mother Church of Roman Catholicism in the United States,
the Basilica of the Assumption is the first Metropolitan Cathedral in the United States. Cornerstone blessed by Bishop John Carroll in 1806; dedicated by Archbishop Ambrose Marechal in 1821. Designed by Benjamin Latrobe Architect of the Capitol), the Basilica is considered one of the finest examples of neo-classical architecture in the world. Guided Tours: Sundays, 12 noon (following the 10:45 a.m. Mass) By appointment. Cost to visit the Basilica - free. Check the web site for Masses and other services as well as directions and telephone numbers.
The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Baltimore is the newer of Baltimore's 2 Cathedrals. We visited it as a family one spring afternoon. An organist was practicing when we arrived and as my son said, it was like "walking into Sunday." There are free concerts on Sunday evenings at the Cathedral. Visit their web site for directions and details about the concerts. This field trip would be suitable for either groups or individuals/families. Cost: Free.
The B&O Railroad Museum houses one of the finest collections of 19th and 20th century rolling stock, unique artifacts and railroadiana in North America. My teenagers enjoyed this trip and my 2 year old was entranced. ADMISSION: Admission (2007)is FREE to members and persons under 2 years, $8 for ages 2-12 years, $14 for persons 13-59, and $12 for persons 60 and up. Group rates are available and guided tours (for visitors aged 8 and up) can be had with advance notice. Group discounts are quite significant and chaperones pay the child rate so I recommend setting this up as a group tour through your homeschool support group. Minimum of 20 for group rates and you'll need 1 adult chaperone per 8 children.