Haitian Culture Curriculum Guide

CREATE A FORTRESS
What is a fortress or fort? A permanent army post. It is a strong or fortified place. The Citadelle
fort in Haiti was used to protect the royal family from any harm.
One of the most famous landmarks in Haiti is The Citadelle. It is Henri Christophe’s monumental
fort. The fort is 3,000 feet above sea level with walls twelve feet thick. It took ten years to build.
The Citadelle was designed to shelter 10,000 people. The royal family was allotted forty rooms.
To get to The Citadelle on the roads of Haiti, you have a to ride a mule or donkey up the rocky
mountain.
How to make a mock Citadelle in the classroom:
Materials needed:
1 large box or refrigerator box
Tempera paints and a variety of paint brushes
1 Acto razor or sharp scissors*
* Warning: Acto razors or sharp scissors should be used only by adults.
Procedures:
1. Cut one side of the box from top to bottom.
2. Cut the top of the box with various squared-shaped designs, also varying the heights of the
shapes.
3. Paint mock brick designs on the fortress.
4. Paint the road leading to the fortress and other landmark features, such as the mountains, trees,
etc.
Uses:
• Have the students display reports, drawings, and newspaper clippings about Haiti on the inside
and/or outside walls of the fortress.
• Use as a prop to perform plays about Haiti’s history or as a backdrop to pretend the student is
in Haiti as a news commentator.
• Use as an area to display books, materials or artwork from Haiti. You may also use this area
as a quiet reading area with carpet. Encourage students to make picture books and/or
informational booklets for the class to read, and display in the fortress.
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