Schools

[wheelockhunter]

Just wondering if anyone does anything with the local schools in their area. I know when I was a kid that seeing a reenactor in period clothing from any era would have been something I would not have likley forgotten.

It is something that I have given some thought to once i'm set ina persona and have the knowledge needed to do so. I have done a lot of public speaking in classroom settings and I feel that it would be an invaluable service to local schools in the historical studies.

Any thoughts on this, or am I just crazy?

 

[mikee51848]

Good idea, 'cause I had the same one. :thumbsup:
I thought a talk would encompass the reasons behind the War for Independence, the basis on which this nation was founded, what the hardships of a soldier were like, as well as period antidotes (common sayings such as "drumming up business" and "for whom the bell tolls" were born in pre-revolution days); all wrapped around a blended persona.
Go for it! :RO:

 

[hobbles]

wheelockhunter
I would say go for it, My lady is a school teacher and they just had to write out something bout their favorite teacher and she got A FEW of the papers given to her from the teacher that had the kids write em out, and one thing they all had to say is how much they liked hearin all the things she talked bout not affliated with spanish,, They liked learnin bout other things, She was a medic in the 70's, (Nam) and bout her travels, her horse escapades and so on,, If you do it right you will get more kids interested then you will ever know,, yep,,, go for it,,,

 

[Slamfire]

I read about a buckskinner who was arrested for takin' a flinter to school. The real trick was it weren't a real one, just a replica.

 

[hobbles]

Slamfire
Very good point,, ain't like the old days,,,

 

[wheelockhunter]

I read about a buckskinner who was arrested for takin' a flinter to school. The real trick was it weren't a real one, just a replica.

The sad thing is i'm sure there are some idiot parents would scream bloody murder at the thought of even a non firing replica being brought into a school.

I'm pretty far off from doing this myself. I'm still trying to get my college education lol.

Just curious if anyone here has done it. The modern schooling system in most areas does not really encourage independent study into this, and unless you have a dedicated teacher it makes it real difficult.

Would anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on to which time period would be best, or what grade to go visit a class?

 

[Slamfire]

It ain't necesarily the parents, in this case it were the school admin that called the cops. They do the same thing to elementary school boys who point a finger and say "bang". :bull:

 

[wheelockhunter]

It ain't necesarily the parents, in this case it were the school admin that called the cops. They do the same thing to elementary school boys who point a finger and say "bang". :bull:

One would think if a person got approval to do that, then common sense would dictate the person bringing in a replica firearm. Still it is something I hope to pursue.

 

[vradin]

There's a company that does this for science-type demos, and another that does their version of "living history" using a failry well-scripted and :imo: extremely cleaned up (censored) version of history. I applied for jobs with both places, but found that their policies didn't agree with my ideas of presentations and the accuracy of events.

It's a great idea. My son has done some demos of Indian craft & culture as part of his Order of the Arrow Dance & Drum team and the responce is always excellent.

Just watch the kids. The young ones will ask the absolute most personal, inappropriate questions, at the most embarrassing moment.

Enjoy it and have fun, who knows- you might be the spark in some kid's new-found love of things historical.

vic

 

[john s mosby]

Here's another thought for you. I used to do the same thing but with nursing homes instead of schools. Most nursing homes have events for the men and women. The one place I used to go to had what they called "The Men's Wednesday Morning Coffee Club", all the men would meet and have coffee, etc, with a show or event of some kind.
I did Civil War and WWI impressions. Some of the men had been in WWII and I met one guy who had been in the Great War.
Everyone always had a good time, I ended up learning more from them than they did from me.
Just a thought.

 

[wheelockhunter]

Here's another thought for you. I used to do the same thing but with nursing homes instead of schools. Most nursing homes have events for the men and women. The one place I used to go to had what they called "The Men's Wednesday Morning Coffee Club", all the men would meet and have coffee, etc, with a show or event of some kind.
I did Civil War and WWI impressions. Some of the men had been in WWII and I met one guy who had been in the Great War.
Everyone always had a good time, I ended up learning more from them than they did from me.
Just a thought.

Now that is an interesting thought, I currently am working in a nursing home as a nursing assistant. A lot of the people I care for get pretty bored during the day and i'm sure htis would be an interesting activity for them.

I have asl had the honor of meeting an WW1 veteran, before he passed we had many good discussions.

 

[john s mosby]

Wheelockhunter

You'll not find a group anywhere who would appreciate you doing it more than those men will.
I always ended up staying twice as long as I intended to.
The time I spend with the all the vets was worth all the trouble of carting all the stuff there and spending a few hours of my time.

 

[wheelockhunter]

Wheelockhunter

You'll not find a group anywhere who would appreciate you doing it more than those men will.
I always ended up staying twice as long as I intended to.
The time I spend with the all the vets was worth all the trouble of carting all the stuff there and spending a few hours of my time.

I have been very fortunate to talk with a lot of veterans from different wars. I have learned a lot from them and know I will continue to do so.

This is yet another idea that I can harass(only way things get done) the activities department about. Thanks Mr. Mosby

Looks like I have a lot of reading to do if I am even thinking about attempting this lol. Who knows maybe I can get some guys at the local BP range to get involved as well.

Work, School and this, at least I won't be bored lol

 

[wheelockhunter]

Had to stop by work today and pick up my schedule. I had asked a couple of cowrkers who we fought in the revolution. 1 of 5 got it right, the other 4 said 2 for Russia, 1 for Japan, and 1 for Spain.Thes sad thing is they were all my age or younger(i'm 26)

Makes me want to cry :cry:

I think that if I was to do anything with schools it would definalty be revolution war period. Not sure but would probably keep the same persona for nursing home until I could afford another.

 

[oomcurt]

So much for the school systems we have in teaching the history of our country...... :shake: :curse: :curse:

 

[TexiKan]

Just wondering if anyone does anything with the local schools in their area.

Some years ago, during Kansas Day, a few of the schools would invite pioneer activities and demonstrations for the kids. About every 20 minutes or so, we would get a new bunch of kids in rotation with the other presenters. On occasion, a few of us would make a presentation in a classroom as the teachers determined there were some topics that they wanted all of the students to see.

Another year, I dressed in my period clothing, talked about the era and demonstrated the use of the guns, etc. Can't do that now! NO guns are allowed in the schools!

So, last year, we invited the schools to our outdoor classroom. We set up a Rondezvous and the students visted nearly all of the camps and learned about the crafts, skills and activities. They had a great time. That was on a Friday. Many of them came back for the weekend, bringing their parents. It was amazing to learn how many people have not been exposed to the Rondezvous environment!

Having been a former teacher, I know living history is of interest. It would be helpful to have a written outline of your talk, listing the points that will be covered and learned. Have plenty of visuals for the students. Be enthusiastic and be prepared to answer many questions!

Contact the schools about your presentations. If more than one presenter can go, the better and more interesting it will be. Education to the youth is a major key to keeping the hobby alive. Not only is it historical information, it helps recruit more, potential members and participants.

Glad to hear you are interested in this aspect!

TexiKan
----------------
Ifr you continue to do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always got.

 

[musketman]

Just wondering if anyone does anything with the local schools in their area. I know when I was a kid that seeing a reenactor in period clothing from any era would have been something I would not have likley forgotten.

Good idea except for one thing, weapons in school...

You couldn't bring your muzzleloader, tomakawk or knives...

 

[streamsidejeff]

My daughter came home from school yesterday and told me they were studying early frontier America,they had watched disney's Davey Crocket, and then were tested on it. I grew up close to Fort Osage and we always had someone come out and talk to us,They evan shot there guns (no lead). I will never forget the smoke. In grade school cowboys came and had a shootout on the playground. I'm not sure how I feel about the film my daughter watched, she's in 8th grade, I can't believe history has come to that.......I'm not going to bad mouth the teacher, I guess I'm just disappointed in the way things are now...I am glad to report that our churches royal ranger group has been doing mountain man craft projects. my son loves it and still talks about the mountain man who came to see them last winter.(THE THROWING KNIVES,THE HATCHET, OH YA AND HIS FLINT LONG GUN) Boys love that stuff.....Thank GOD he will have some fond memories. :imo:

 

[jim gray]

I had to work last weekend and I asked about a dozen of my coworkers what important historical event occurred on May 8. Two of them knew the answer.

I saw a segment on the Tonight Show once where they asked some very simple questions to passersby on the street. Many people didn't know that the U.S. capitol is Washington D.C. and quite a few thought that China, Australia, or England bordered the U.S..

The sad thing is that immigrants who want to become U.S. citizens are required to know more about our history than are schools are able to teach.

 

[streamsidejeff]

You are right about everything you said..... I also watch the tonight show every once in a while, and I laugh at those folks that can't answer the easy questions,then they come up with one I'm not sure of and I start feeling real stupid real quick.... I always enjoyed U.S. history and felt it helps make me a better person for learning what others sacrificed for this country to become what it is today. A lot of hardships have been overcome and the truth should be cherished not hidden from our children. :m2c: :hatsoff: