The work of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife, Mabel Hubbard Bell, continues to influence our daily lives more than one hundred years later.  As a teacher, scientist and inventor, Alexander Graham Bell relied on the support and encouragement of Mabel, and their collaborative accomplishments have been recognized nationally and internationally, and by the Government of Canada’s designation of National Historic Persons.

While Alexander focused his attention on scientific investigations and inventions, Mabel was an influential community organizer and philanthropist, as well as a leader in her adopted community of Baddeck, Nova Scotia.  Her keen interest in various social causes led her to establish the Bell Club formerly known as the Young Ladies of Baddeck – the first and longest continuing women’s club in Canada;  the first chapter of the Canadian Home and School Federation;  the first Canadian Montessori School;  the Baddeck Public Library – the first public library in Canada; and important agricultural research which she did for personal reasons, as well as supporting national and international agricultural organizations, such as the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa.

As part of its mandate, the Alexander Graham Bell Foundation has created an education committee to oversee the development of teaching and learning resources to support the legacy of both Alexander and Mabel Bell.  Teachers are encouraged to use these curriculum resources to support learning across all areas of study. Each resource includes lesson plans, individual and group project ideas, and ideas for extending the learning outside of school.  Resources are grouped by grade level and are linked directly to curriculum outcomes.  They also provide background information for schools planning field trips to the Bell Museum during its open season.