| This activity makes use of the Cape May: Then and Now packet enclosed.
 Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe some of the components of Victorian architecture
- Define some architectural terms
Materials
Copy of Cape May: Then and Now activity packet (included)
Making Connections
Architectural styles are evidence of the past and the settlement of a region. The area known as Down Jersey contains a significant number of houses that gracefully depict the era known as the Victorian time, when Queen Victoria was the Queen of England. Examples of Victorian architecture abound throughout the region and the activity packet from the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts can be used as a model for examining other houses and their features. |
 Background
Historic Themes and Resources, Chapter 2: Urban Development pages 9-38, addresses the settlement of the entire Delsea Region and includes descriptions and examples of specific houses and their architectural styles. In addition, Appendix III (page 177) contains existing documentation and a listing of houses and buildings included in the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) which have measured drawings, written histories and/or large format photography; available from the Library of Congress, Print and Photographs Division, or on microfiche.
Procedure
Warm Up
Introduce the topic of architectural styles and discuss how the buildings and houses represent a particular time in history. Ask students to describe their houses. Include such information as: type of doorway, number of stories, porches, garage, fireplace, windows, etc. Perhaps each student could draw his house and include as much detail as possible. (Might make an appropriate homework assignment.)
Students can group their houses by similar features to understand how certain features can be used to designate an architectural style.
 The Activity
Students complete the activity sheets included in the Cape May: Then and Now packet.
Optional
Field trip to view Victorian architecture. Of course, Cape May is well known for the abundance of Victorian architecture found there (over 600 buildings, over 100 years old, built during the Victorian era) but many other examples exist in the Down Jersey region. In Cumberland County, Mauricetown and Bridgeton are noted for their share of such buildings.
Please download the PDF for the complete Lesson Plan. |
