The new exhibition Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts opened yesterday at The Lyceum, Alexandrias History Museum.
As the Girl Scouts of the USA look forward to their centennial in 2012, this exhibition of historical photographs, artifacts and reflections recalls the growth of Girl Scouting in the Washington metropolitan area and highlights Alexandria.
Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts draws its name from a Girl Scout guidebook to hiking and camping first published in 1927 and featuring the earliest published recipe for the campfire treat smores.
The exhibition, curated by The Lyceum staff, features a collection of Girl Scout uniforms from the 1910s, 1930s and 1960s, Brownie objects from as early as 1937, and a display of cookie fundraising materials, including a vintage tin box and sales poster.
Extensive camping and hiking exhibits are highlighted by a tent and official Girl Scout gear including a canteen, collapsible cup, pocket knife, compass flashlight and even a sit-upon the small padded mat Scouts made themselves.
Exploration of Alexandrias Girl Scout history, drawn from records, photos and oral history, reaches back to the 1930s when the first troop was formed at the St. Agnes School, followed a few years later by one for African American girls through Hopkins House. The Hopkins House troop enjoyed summer day camp, cookouts, hikes and caroling at hospitals, and the St. Agnes scouts participated in roller skating, hiking, arts and crafts and charitable work.
Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, the Girl Scouts promoted self-sufficiency by teaching traditional domestic tasks as well as knowledge and skills beyond the home such as camping, physical fitness and career preparation. More than 50 million American women participated in Girl Scouting during their childhood and today 2.4 million girls and 928,000 adults are members.
Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts is open through Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2010. Girl Scouts wishing to arrange special tours and participate in interactive aspects of the exhibition are encouraged to contact The Lyceum at lyceum@alexandriava.gov or 703-838-4994.
The Lyceum is located at 201 South Washington St. and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $2, and free off-street parking is available.
