Famous Californian Report Choices

This is Bridget "Biddy" Mason. She was born in Georgia as a slave, and was given as a wedding present to a young couple. The couple took her to Los Angeles. Because California was a free state, Biddy was able to sue the couple for her freedom, and for the freedom of her three daughters. She became an experienced nurse and midwife. With the money she earned, she bought real estate. She founded an Elementary School for African American children. Biddy also founded the First A. M. E. Church in Los Angeles. She was known for donating money to many charities, and helping others. I have an outfit that would probably work as a costume. And, there is a lot of information about Biddy available in books and online. The slideshow or video might be more difficult to put together. Because she lived in the 1800's and she was African American, there are not many photos of her. So, the slideshow would maybe have to have facts in addition to the photos. I absolutely hate watching power points, so that's a bit of a negative for selecting Biddy.

Dian Fossey was made famous by writing her book, "Gorillas in the Mist". She was born in San Francisco, and had a lonely childhood. After much schooling, Dian traveled to Africa, where she studied gorillas extensively. Her feelings about poaching widely brought the issue to the attention of the general public. She was murdered by poachers and is buried near her favorite gorilla, Digit. This would probably require a wig of some sort. It would be fun to attach a stuffed animal gorilla to my back, while giving the report! Kind of memorable for the kids. The costume would be easy. There is a great deal of information about her, and many photos and film clips. That would make the presentation more colorful. Also, there was a movie made about her life. I'm seeing a fairly easy poster to make, as well.

This is Jane Lathrop Stanford. She was one of the founders of Stanford University. She oversaw the design of the buildings, and basically ran the university for several years after her husband's death. When there was no money left, she pawned her jewelry in order to make ends meet, and kept the college running. I already know a bit about her, and the death of her son. The outfit would be fairly easy, I'd just need a hat. I already have the dress, gloves, and a fake fur stole. One interesting, juicy thing that I didn't know about her, was that she died from being poisoned. This intrigues me. Probably, I've just been binge watching too much Versailles on Netflix. The slideshow would be fun, because there are lots of old photos of the university online, and the poster would be easy. It might be fun to find an old bottle, that I could carry, and put a skull and crossbones on it.

Stay tuned to find out who I will be. This project is always really fun. So far, I've been Ray Eames, Sarah Winchester, Julia Morgan, Julia Child, Beatrice Wood, and more. Students are required to write a report, give it orally, have a media clip or slideshow (or both), make a poster, and dress up as their famous Californian. I usually give my report the week before students give their reports, so that they can understand the expectations of the project...