Current Events,  Education

State Capitol

My daughters and I were fortunate enough to accompany some other homeschoolers on a field trip to our state capitol in Albany. The field trip included a program for the kids at the state museum, followed by lunch and a tour of the state capitol building.

I’ve lived in New York State for most of my life, but both of these places were new to me.  It was amazing to hear the story of our capitol building, which took many years to build and ultimately cost more than the White House. I took a few photos of the splendor, none of which really do the place justice — but they give a suggestion, anyway.

thecapitol

hall1

The senate meets here, surrounded by gold-coated walls.
The senate meets here, surrounded by gold-coated walls.

ceiling

Several beautiful staircases
Several beautiful staircases

hall2

Tile
Tile
Peering faces were everywhere...
Peering faces were everywhere…

carving

arch

assem

clock

pillar

Leading into the "war room," where a sobering mural on the ceiling displays the many conflicts in New York's history
Leading into the “war room,” where a sobering mural on the ceiling displays the many conflicts in New York’s history

I’m not especially happy with our government in any way, shape or form right now, but I really enjoyed seeing where good governance is supposed to happen. I think my favorite story was the tale of Teddy Roosevelt coming into office, surveying the many years of labor and money that had been poured into the still unfinished capitol building, and saying, simply, “No more.” He shut it down; its tower was never built, and the stone carvers packed up their tools and left before all surfaces were carved. But he made a solid, common sense decision. It can be done! People in office, take heed.

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