Connecting the past to the present: an exploration of the concept of sanctuary_Yixuan Chen

Connecting the past to the present: an exploration of the concept of sanctuary

Age group targeted by the event: 12 to 15 years old

A "shelter" is not only a physical space, but also a symbol of human beings seeking safety, belonging and hope in times of trouble. Explore the transition from war defense to community refuge through Fort York's military fortress and Toronto's history. This event is a "sanctuary" themed tour of the Fort York Museum centered around "connecting the past to the present" and aims to explore the multiple meanings of history in relation to sanctuary.

Introduction to the topic (15 minutes)

My program is geared towards the middle school student population. I hope they came here to visit through a school-organized excursion. We will visit the Officers' Barracks & Mess Establishment, the Officers' Blue Barracks and the Circular Battery to give students an understanding of their function and historical context, especially the concept of "shelter" during wartime. The concept of "shelter" during wartime.

The Officers' Barracks & Mess Establishment was built in the early 19th century as an officers' quarters and mess, providing living and working space for senior officers stationed at Fort York. It provided a safe haven for officers during the war and was an important place to discuss tactics and develop defense strategies during wartime.

The Officers' Blue Barracks housed junior officers: ensigns, lieutenants and some captains. The rugged construction of the Blue Barracks not only defended them from external attack, but also protected them from extreme weather. The rugged construction of Blue Barracks not only defends against external attack, but also protects occupants in extreme weather. The interior compartments are designed to ensure the quality of life for officers in cold or other harsh environments.

The Circular Battery was an important fortification in Fort York, symbolizing steadfastness and shelter in war. We can guide students to think about the significance of physical defense and the challenges of war to human security by experiencing the defensive advantages of its construction and function as a circular structure.

Activities (15 minutes)

Part 1:

Consider the question: if you were on a battlefield and needed to design a shelter, what basic needs should it fulfill?

Part 2:

Design and create a model of a shelter Include the following features:

 - Structure of the Shelter

 - Living space

 - Storage Area

I would like the students to complete a craft activity inside Officers' Barracks & Mess Establishment. I would like to prepare some materials such as wooden boards and sticks for the activity.

Work in groups to design and complete their own shelters using materials such as wood, cardboard, and other materials. Groups discuss the functional partitions of the shelter and make sketches, labeling the location and structural features of each functional area. Through hands-on practice, students will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the design and function of shelters, and at the same time, in the context of Fort York, students will be able to experience the need for shelter in a war environment.

Part 3

Display Stage

Each group presents the completed shelter model and shares how does your shelter meet the needs of defense, shelter, and storage?

Some questions to ponder

What environmental considerations need to be taken into account in the design of shelters?

Has the meaning of shelter changed in the modern world?