Living History Is So Much More Fun Than Reading About It.
History can be the most fascinating subject your homeschooler studies or it can be absolutely boring to learn about. Learning history by going to reenactments is so much more exciting and interesting than reading a history textbook.
At a recent War of 1812 reenactment, we learned:
* War was slow. Even the fastest rifle in the hands of the best rifleman could only be fired three times a minute. Muskets might not be able to be loaded and fired even once a minute. Many times, guns would misfire or not fire at all after they were loaded.
* The differing British and American attitudes about gentlemen cost Britain the war. Americans aimed for the officers, while the British deliberately avoided shooting them. When a British officer was shot, the soldiers weren't sure what to do and the Americans took advantage of their disorganization and confusion.
* Marines have been in just about every war since they were established in 1775.
* Officers' tents in this particular battle on the Susquehanna had quite a few comforts of home, such as folding desks and even plank floors.
At a recent War of 1812 reenactment, we learned:
* War was slow. Even the fastest rifle in the hands of the best rifleman could only be fired three times a minute. Muskets might not be able to be loaded and fired even once a minute. Many times, guns would misfire or not fire at all after they were loaded.
* The differing British and American attitudes about gentlemen cost Britain the war. Americans aimed for the officers, while the British deliberately avoided shooting them. When a British officer was shot, the soldiers weren't sure what to do and the Americans took advantage of their disorganization and confusion.
* Marines have been in just about every war since they were established in 1775.
* Officers' tents in this particular battle on the Susquehanna had quite a few comforts of home, such as folding desks and even plank floors.
Thinking About Becoming Reenactors?
Is Participating in Reenactments Right for Your Family?
Once you visit a few reenactments, you may find yourself wondering if your family would like to do a living history lesson of their own by participating in a reenactment. It wasn't the right fit for us for several reasons, but it may be the perfect option for your kids.Pros:
* You thought your kids were learning history by strolling through a reenactment? Becoming a reenactor makes history really come alive for them. They get to feel the scratchy wool costumes, see how hard it was to lug things around and get an idea of how people felt as the event they are reenacting took place.
* Older children will discover that it is possible to live without their MP3 players attached to their ears and their thumbs texting away on their cell phones 24/7.
* You might help someone else learn to love history the way your family does.
* You will meet some absolutely fascinating people.
* You will travel a lot, which means you get to see new and interesting places.
Cons:
* You're going to spend more money than you ever dreamed you'd spend on a wardrobe and you can't really wear your clothes to the office. (And you're going to have to spend it again and again on your kids because they will outgrow their reproduction clothing. You may be able to find another family to sell your too small clothing to, but you won't recoup all your costs.)
* Bad weather makes reenactments feel a lot less fun for you and your kids. Hanging out in a thunderstorm in a tent is one historical accuracy I can personally do without!
* You will travel a lot, which means gas, stress on your car and related expenses.
1812 Has Come to Life in Front of Us at the Susquehanna Museum of Havre de Grace
You Can't Experience This in a Textbook!
We loved seeing all the different reenactors at the War of 1812 reenactment and were amazed at the way they stayed in character throughout the whole experience. They really did a wonderful job and made the kids interested in finding out more about that time period.
My favorite homeschooling quote:
Creativity is a type of learning process where the teacher and pupil are located in the same individual.
- Arthur Koestler
Keep an Eye Out for Civil War Reenactments at Town Festivals
As the kids and I drove down a street on the way to pick up my brother, we drove by a massive Civil War reenactment. The town we were driving through was having its 150th anniversary and the reenactors had taken over a park as part of the celebration. Such fun!
Involve the Kids in Reenactments
Watch How Reenactors Stay in Character
Don't Forget to Talk to Reenactors - We Learned About Medical Care During the Civil War
Want to Be a Civil War Reenactor?
Learning About Civil War Reenactments
Being a successful reenactor means knowing a lot of historical information. A good book on being a reenactor for that era makes things a lot easier.
Reliving the Civil War: 2nd Edition
Amazon Price: $73.99 (as of 06/02/2012)
More Living History Resources for Reenactors
Help History Come Alive for Your Kids
Homeschool History Resources
A few of my favorite resources for homeschoolers and history buffs interested in doing reenactments.
- The Homeschool Club on Facebook
- Learn how to make your own web pages about your favorite homeschooling stories and resources. We're all gathered in the Facebook group.
- List of Civil War Reenactments
- Find a Civil War Reenactment near you with this extensive list of events.
- Reenactment Groups
- Meet up with other fans of reenactments.
Follow @homeschoolclub on Twitter
For the latest ideas and articles from fellow homeschoolers
Love This Lens About Reenactments?
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Do Your Kids Love History?
How Do You Make Learning History Fun for Your Kids?
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Amy
Mar 29, 2012 @ 7:21 pm | delete
- http://youtu.be/sRbL4VrSOAU We reenact it:)
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bygproductions
Jun 10, 2010 @ 1:32 pm | delete
- We actually considered doing this when our girls were younger. We didn't do it but enjoyed attending many reenactments in our area over the years. Great way to learn as a visitor or participant.
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Blessedmombygrace
Jun 4, 2010 @ 10:41 pm | delete
- Great lens! I added this lens to my 10 Favorite Homeschool Products lens as another Rocket Moms lens to check out. Thumbs up!
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BuckHawk
May 8, 2010 @ 6:55 am | delete
- I have a sister busy writing a book set in WWII Africa, and listening to her tell the little known tidbits of that portion of the war have made it come alive for me. Even at my age, I'm being homeschooled! :-) Great Lens.
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SandraRose May 6, 2010 @ 8:28 am | delete
- Great lens! I knew a few reenactors - good to learn more about it!
I lensrolled to my grandparent-cards lens!
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The-Java-Gal May 5, 2010 @ 2:42 pm | delete
- When we homeschooled, I knew nothing about local reenactment groups. I now know someone who is in a group. Quite interesting
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tssfacts
May 5, 2010 @ 9:06 am | delete
- I never enjoyed history. It wasn't until an aunt showed me her copy of our family genealogy that I was even interested in history. I have always wanted to attend a reenactments but haven't made it yet.
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JoyfulPamela
May 5, 2010 @ 6:39 am | delete
- We have gone to many reenactment events as homeschoolers. They make what we learn in books become so much more alive when you can see, hear, and smell the events around you!
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sandyspider
May 4, 2010 @ 5:13 pm | delete
- Have always enjoyed these.
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seegreen
May 4, 2010 @ 4:10 pm | delete
- I have always loved reenactments. We went to a civil war reenactment in Selma, Alabama many years ago and enjoyed watching. The vendors are interesting also. My daughters both bought bonnets and parasols and played with them for years and years.
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Sylvestermouse
May 4, 2010 @ 1:18 pm | delete
- I am surrounded by huge history buffs. I have learned so much myself by just traveling and participating in things with them. I have truly been amazed at how little history I personally learned in school. You only need to have a few children to grasp how important our past is to our future :)
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tandemonimom May 3, 2010 @ 11:38 pm | delete
- I love history, and teaching my kids history! Thanks for adding this great lens to The Homeschool Club!
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Treasures-By-Brenda
May 3, 2010 @ 6:07 pm | delete
- One son just naturally loves history; I wonder how that happened. The other is a bit more interested in science and maths. Wonder how that happened; is it just a part of their being or something we did.
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HorseAndPony
May 3, 2010 @ 2:31 pm | delete
- My daughter loves history and was a junior Revolutionary War re-enactor. This is a great activity. Thanks for sharing all of this information. Great lens. Blessed! http://www.squidoo.com/horseandpony-squidangel
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Evelyn_Saenz
May 3, 2010 @ 2:26 pm | delete
- Two of my children love history and my older daughter has not only been involved in reenactment but is minoring in costume design at college stemming somewhat from experiences with reenactments we attended when homeschooling.
You make the reenactment at Havre de Grace sound like so much fun that I may stop there on the way up to Vermont this summer.
Lensrolled to Garner Rix and the Royalton Raid, a unit study that encourages reenactments.
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P.S. What is The Homeschool Club?
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