The learner will:

• identify examples of philanthropy in historical settings.
  
  
• analyze costs associated with philanthropy.

Anticipatory Set:


Ask students if they know the difference between a railroad and the Underground Railroad? Guide a brief discussion to ensure common understanding.

• Explain that The House of Dies Drear is historical fiction. Although it is fiction, it is based on a historical situation and time. In this case, the story refers to the period before the Civil War when enslaved persons of African American descent tried to escape their bondage and flee to safety, usually to Canada or the Northern States. Ask the learners if Michigan was part of the Underground Railroad. Tell them that in October of 2001, the cities of Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, Canada celebrated their roles in providing safety and comfort as stops on the Underground Railroad by dedicating statues in each city. Tell them that thousands of volunteers helped slaves reach freedom.
  
  
• Read the story The House of Dies Drear.
  
  
• Discuss the following questions related to the story:
  
  
  • What is the need?
    
    
  • Who has the need?
    
    
  • Who is in the community?
    
    
  • Who fills the need?
    
    
  • What talent or treasure was given? What did it cost to give?
    
    
  • What goodness does the community experience from that giving or sharing?
    
    
  • What is the reward for the one or ones who shared?
    
    
  • What would have happened if the need had not been met?
    
• Have students analyze what type of person Dies Drear was. How does he fit their perception of what a philanthropist is like? Have students write a one-paragraph profile of Dies Drear as a philanthropist.

.