Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents keeps the essence of several great historical leaders alive for those of us in another time period to see and experience firsthand. Granted, those aren’t real men, but they are all simulated so closely to their real-life counterparts, that it’s almost as if by entering the attraction, we have walked into the greatest gathering of all time. Just imagine what world crises could be resolved if all 43 American presidents could meet together at once!
Even if the figures in the Hall of Presidents all came to life when no one was around (like the Toy Story friends), only three of them could speak (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Barack Obama), so they probably wouldn’t accomplish all that much after all. However, each and every statue is startlingly realistic in appearance, mannerism, and dress. Extensive period research was undertaken to ensure historical accuracy, down to the wigs, shoe construction, and textile stitching techniques. Any critic who says the Hall is boring or lifeless is terribly mistaken, for if they’d look closely, they’d see how much more to the story meets the eye.
The idea for the Hall was first conceived by Walt Disney. However, technology didn’t exist at the time to produce so many audio-animatronic figures, and costs were prohibitive too, so Walt chose to focus on the president he most admired, Abraham Lincoln. The Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln exhibit, which debuted at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, would be expanded and developed as technology advanced, until finally appearing with Lincoln’s predecessors and successors at the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents in 1971. Each successive president since Nixon has been added to the roster.
Today’s Takeaway:
Inauguration Day in the United States was originally held on March 4, four months after Election Day took place. In America’s early days, that provided ample time to collect ballots from all areas and allow the president-elect to organize his administration. The date was officially changed to January 20 in 1933 with the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, because in our modern world four months is too much time. An outgoing administration could create untold troubles for the new administration, and crises could arise.
Since the 20th fell on a Sunday this year, the public celebration of President Barack Obama’s second term in office will take place today. The swearing in of any American president is an historical event. Watch the live ceremonies today (in person if you’re able) or via televised coverage. The two links below provide schedules of planned activities. Discuss the goings-on with your students, as well as the duties the president holds and the breakdown of responsibilities of our system of government.
http://www.inauguralscholar.com/when-is-inauguration-day-2013/
http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/Presidential-Inauguration-2013-Washington-Dc.htm
Article 2, Section 1 of the United States Constitution requires incoming presidents to take the Oath of Office before they can assume their duties. For an additional assignment, have your kids memorize and present the Presidential Oath of Office:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
SCHOOL SUBJECT: American History
SKILL LEVEL: High School
*Hall of Presidents photos via Disney Parks. Image of James Buchanan taking office in 1857 is oldest known photo of presidential inauguration. Photo via The Campaign Trail.
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The post The Hall of Presidents & Inauguration Day originally appeared on Magical Mouse Schoolhouse. Think outside the textbook and expand your home classroom with Walt Disney entertainment! ©2012 Magical Mouse Schoolhouse