Recently, my daughter and I had the pleasure of guiding a group of elementary school students through an exhibit at the Oregon History Center. These.... Recently, my daughter and I had the pleasure of guiding a group of elementary school students through an exhibit at the Oregon History Center.

These children were from Sweet Home, Oregon, a town of some 8,000 which is 100 miles south southeast of Portland.

They were here as part of an initiative to bring rural schoolchildren from far-flung corners of the state to Portland for two days to see its cultural treasures including the zoo, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon History Center for starters.

What particularly impressed me about THIS group was their enthusiasm. They lingered at the artifacts. They had questions. They participated. We didn't have to attract their attention. It was ours, and in great abundance.

We asked about things in their lives today that will one day be treasured artifacts if not in a museum, at least in their own collection. One boy told of a model train set. A girl mentioned some dolls.

The visit was upbeat, educational, a pure joy for them and for us. They gave us a thank-you chorus as they left for their next adventure.

Later, my daughter and I reflected on the experience.

If children are to become adults who prize the city, the urban experience, certainly they need early exposure to its treasures.

This program in Oregon is a step in the right direction, particularly for children who live so far away, they rarely get to visit a big city.

Parents who live in outlying suburbs of our great American cities have some responsibility as well. We know some in our neighborhood just 15 minutes from downtown who rarely take their children downtown to exhibits, shows, festivals, outdoor markets, shopping, or concerts.

This is a shame. So much so close yet mostly missed.

There are few places better than a vibrant urban setting where children can experience the diversity of cultures, ideas, sounds, smells, and tastes--things they probably won't find at the suburban shopping mall, the batting cages, soccer game, or fast-food > restaurant.

What an education! What fun!

The Sweet Home children took away a memory that day many of them will cherish for life. Similarly, the treasures of the city await us and our children.

The magic is there. Are we?