The 18th Century Sedan Chair: A Historical Artifact

The 18th Century Sedan Chair: A Historical Artifact

Learning Objectives

• Understand the purpose and use of the 18th Century Sedan Chair
• Understand the historical significance of the Sedan Chair
• Understand the role of 'Chairmen' and the cost structure of hiring a Sedan Chair
• Understand the journey of the Sedan Chair to the museum and its restoration

What do you already know about the 18th Century Sedan Chair?

Description and use of the Sedan Chair

• 18th Century civilian mode of transport
• Carried by two 'Chairmen'
• Used to navigate narrow streets and avoid dirt
• Similar to a taxi today
• Accidents were common

Role of 'Chairmen' and cost of hiring

• 'Chairmen' were individuals tasked with carrying the Sedan Chair
• Hiring cost varied based on time and distance
• Used by Marine Commandants in Chatham
• Speed and right-of-way

The Sedan Chair's journey to the museum and its restoration

• Donated to the museum in 1975
• Used for ceremonial purposes
• Restored in 2017

Definitions

• Sedan Chair: A mode of transport used in the 18th century, carried by two individuals known as 'Chairmen'
• Chairmen: Individuals tasked with carrying the Sedan Chair
• Restoration: The process of repairing and preserving historical artifacts

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.