Tickets to the Gun Show!

Greetings once again from Morristown!

So as I go through and update my blogs, I noticed that there were quite a few missing. So as I continue to wonder where my blogs are going, here is a recap of my past weeks at Morristown National Historical Park.

During my fourth week, I moved around the different divisions within Morristown. I started my week working with the Curatorial Staff at the Washington’s Headquarters. I assisted in documenting the historical books for their database. The most interesting part about that is that I came across a book from the year 1634! Many of the books within their collection date back from the 1600’s, and some books date from even earlier.  Throughout the day I was able to read primary documents, from many different historical figures. Along with books that contain these primary sources, there is also a catalog of microfilms. On these films there are more documents that people can view. Scholars use microfilms as a resource in their research. Tuesday, I worked with the Maintenance Staff. One aspect that I admire about the maintenance staff in general, and thinking about my experience with the staff at Sandy Hook, no matter how their day is going, they never stop smiling. I had a good time working with them; I assisted with weed whacking the Visitor Center, the Ranger Station and the entrance to the Maintenance area. Wednesday, I worked with the Natural Resource Staff; we pulled invasive plants, such as Japanese Barberry, from the native plans enclosure. I learned that the effects of having little to none Native Plants in our forests leads to limited source of food for the Deer population. One invasive plant that has been a big issue is the Japanese Barberry. I asked what the history of the Japanese Barberry is and everyone has told me that they are not sure of what its purpose is but they do know that many people plant them in their yards because of the look. People also plant them because it “keeps the Deer away”. Reason for the quotations is that, because these Barberries have spread all over, it brings Deer into people’s backyards because they are searching for food. So the plan to keep them out actually brings them in. Go figure!

After working with Natural Resource, the following day I was given the opportunity to go with the Law Enforcement Rangers to get Qualified. One of our own Rangers, Ranger Socha, is a certified Firearms Instructor. I had never stepped foot in a Range before so it was really neat to be there. Before training, Ranger Socha went over the safety procedures and precautions, made sure that everyone had all of their protective gear and were wearing their protective gear while others were shooting and made sure that everyone could hear when he had to give directions. So I watched the while the Rangers went, and then I was taught how to hold, use and load the Rifle and Shot Gun. I’m not sure if this really matters but I prefer the Rifle, the Shot Gun almost knocked me over. After leaving the Range, I learned the importance of checking the Firearms thoroughly and to spend time doing so each day. It is very important to make sure the equipment is not rusty because it can cause harm in a life or death situation. Just the little things that I would have not thought of before, makes me think twice about what I do every day.

My shots could use some cleaning up

Ranger Socha teaching me the proper technique

So with that being said, I hope everyone is checking their equipment every day. More importantly being safe. Enjoy your evening everyone!

With love from Morristown,
Fallon