Lesson Plans Lesson Plans

Portland History: Signalizing and Non-Verbal Communications at the Portland Observatory

Greater Portland Landmarks, Cumberland County

2003

3-5

  • English Language Arts -- Writing
  • Social Studies -- Geography
  • Social Studies -- History
  • Visual & Performing Arts -- Visual Arts

1 day

  • 1775-1850
  • Economy
  • Environment/The Land

This lesson is an overview of Captain Lemuel Moody's (builder of the Observatory) signaling system used at the Portland Observatory. Activities range from flag making to mapping and journal writing. The "Signals" slide show allows students to look at Captain Moody's general and private signals notebooks. Students are asked a series of questions about the notebooks and Moody's signaling system allowing for a better understanding of the principles behind the Observatory.

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A resource developed by Greater Portland Landmarks with the support of the Rines-Thompson Foundation and Maine Memory Network