The ReadBoston Storymobile will make a special appearance at Charlestown’s famous Bunker Hill Monument as part of a week of special events on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. This inaugural visit to the Monument will feature stories read by a park guide dressed as an 18th-century Boston colonist, ever-popular and knowledgeable National Park Service rangers to help children become Jr. Rangers, and a free book for all participating children.
The Storymobile’s week of special events offers children extended summer visits from August 15 through August 19 to very special Boston locations. In addition to the Bunker Hill Monument location, the Storymobile will also make stops at places such as Fenway Park and Boston College’s Alumni Stadium.
One of the first built in the United States and standing 221 feet tall, Bunker Hill Monument was erected to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill, the first major conflict between British and Patriot forces in the Revolutionary War, fought there June 17, 1775. The Bunker Hill Museum, across the street from the Monument includes many exhibits about the battle. Bunker Hill is part of the Boston National Historical Park, maintained by the National Park Service, and one of the 16 sites along the Freedom Trail.
ReadBoston’s Storymobile program is one of the largest of its kind, hiring professional local storytellers to entertain and educate Boston’s children during the summer months. Not only does each child enjoy watching a story brought to life each week through tales and song, but they get to choose a book to bring home and keep. The goal of the Storymobile program is to promote literacy as a year round endeavor that doesn’t end when the school doors close for summer. Throughout the summer children at ReadBoston Storymobile sites receive six free books through the program to incorporate into their own personal home libraries.