Teachers Discovering History As Historians

Jim Cotton

Dennis Young

09 Civil War Immersion Project

Bath Central School

1.  General Overview of the Proposed Project:

            This will be a joint TAH project with Dennis Young, 7-8 grade social studies teacher.  We will develop a Civil War Immersion day for 7^th grade students.  This will be a full day immersion in which students participate in a variety of Civil War Era activities.  We will map out the development process so that this may be used by other teachers to develop similar programs at their respective schools.

2.  Clear Purpose and Objective:

            Provide the students with a hands-on experience with history, as this is a much more effective method of conveying important themes from the Civil War era than lecture or other standard methods.  The objectives are to expose the students to the true life of a soldier and learn about the Civil War from differing perspectives, while learning the importance of teamwork to accomplish tasks.

3.  Stakeholders: grade level, who will benefit, who will participate in this project.

            This is designed for the 7^th Graders at HMS (Haverling Middle School).  Those who will benefit from the project beyond the students would include the teachers who help in the stations or chaperone the groups who will gain exposure to the topics covered.  The reenactors will benefit from interaction with the public, sharing their hobby, encouraging people to pay more attention to history and honing their skills that they use during actual reenactments.  The increased level of interest may encourage others to join the ranks of the reenactors.  The school benefits by having positive public relations with students, parents and the community as a whole, which can lead to broader support of other school initiatives.  The two participants in this TAH project benefit from developing and focusing their efforts on creating not just a project, but an excellent tool that can be replicated and built on the future.  Becoming organized and creating a template for the future will increase the likelihood of a successful and growing program.

4.  U.S. History Content Area

            7^th Grade American History – Unit on the American Civil War

5.  Outline Describing Content

·        Set up and maintain a planning calendar of meetings, deadlines, suggested sequence for the future.

·        Create a list of step-by-step list of action items to carry out the project.  This would include:

o       Securing location and date

o       Encouraging participation of Teaching Staff

o       Contacting reenactors

o       Ordering supplies

o       Transportation arrangements

o       Punch list of logistics (nurse, emergency procedures etc.)

6.  Software to be used, internet materials, contacts, etc.

·        Microsoft Word and Publisher for program materials. 

·        Internet for research and email communication between organizers and participants

·        Contacts:  Principal, Reenactors, Village Board, Police, School Public Relations Coordinator.

7.  Level of Student Involvement

            Student Volunteers will be involved in some of the preparation work including projects to make kepis (hats), shelter halves, cartridge boxes, hardtack, and other materials.

            Student Volunteers will also participate in Manual of Arms Training and Company Drill Training during the after school period.  These students will be trained as company officers and non-commissioned officers for their company.  They will then train drafted students in their company during the Civil War Day immersion.

            All 7^th grade students will participate in the Civil War Day immersion.

8.  Evaluation process (include students when possible)

Students will complete a survey following the event.  The survey will include open ended questions that will ask students what they learned, liked or disliked. Students will also be asked for suggestions on improving the program.

Teachers and reenactors will also take part in a survey or debriefing meeting after the event to discuss positive outcomes and areas in need of improvement.

9.  Timeline: how you envision the project being carried out between start up and  conclusion

            Planning meetings with teachers will begin in October of the current school year and we will continue to meet at least once per month until the immersion is completed in late May or early June.  A follow up meeting will take place after the immersion is completed.   Dennis Young (TAH co-partner) and I will meet at least on a bi-weekly schedule to complete this project.   Student involvement in preparations and planning will begin in March.  Student Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer training will begin in April.  Initial contact with reenactors will be in December.             

10.  Comments or Questions:

            The Civil War Day immersion is a project that we have worked on over the past two years with various degrees of success.  We need this project so that we can increase the likelihood of success, increase the level of professionalism, and to be able create a template so that the project can be replicated.  We want this project to become a permanent part of the 7^th grade curriculum that students, teachers, school administrators, and community members look forward to every year.  

Purpose:  The purpose of this is to provide students with a hands-on experience with American History, specifically the American Civil War. 

For the primary organizers (Dennis Young, Ken DiDomineck, and Me) this grant is going to help us improve upon past projects and allow us to make our project a little more concrete with a timeline for accomplishing various tasks.

Reflection Topics:

Teacher Support:  This is too big of a project to do it alone.  You need to have teacher support to get tasks completed.  Social Studies teachers, ELA teachers, and Teacher-Librarians are a good group to start with.  I would also include any team leaders if your school is organized in academic teams. Keep plugging away if the teachers are not interested but I would make sure that you have their support and assistance before you approach your administration.  I did a similar project at a different school district when I was approached by a Civil War reenactor about doing a larger project.  It was basically just him and me doing all of the work and it was too much without the support from other teachers.  See Starting Small if you have a hard time gaining support.

Administrative Support:   Your building principal is a place to start.  He/She can take your proposal to higher administrators.  Explain your ideas on the project and the benefits to the kids, district, and teachers as well as the potential cost of the project for materials, transportation, and substitute teachers.

Start Small:  Begin by inviting a reenactor or two to your school for classroom presentations (I refer to these presentations as Haversack Chats) if you are having a hard time gaining support.  The reenactors can talk about their equipment, daily life, reenacting, history, and often do 1^st person impressions.  Make sure that the reenactor works well with an audience and that other teachers and administrators are invited to see the presentations.  Haversack Chats are usually one class period in length and the reenactors almost never run out of stuff to talk about.

Recruit Reenactors:  This probably is not as tough as it seems for most projects however it has the potential to be the most difficult.  I would start by asking students and teachers if they know anyone in the area who reenacts and get some contact information.   Local reenactments attract many local reenactors. Go to some local reenactments and meet some of the reenactors and see how accommodating they are for assisting in the project.  Get as much contact information as possible.  Reenacting is a hobby and most reenactors have full-time jobs however; they often will take personal days or rework their schedules to work with schools/students. Contact the reenactors and ask for their ideas on a project and what they can do for you and potential fees (most reenactors will work for free or for lunch).  Plan on contacting reenactors at least four months prior to the event.  Some special impression reenactors, like a doctor, we try to schedule at least 7 months in advance. We even try to work our schedule around some of the reenactors so that we will be sure that they can attend.

Select a Venue:  There are many factors that can influence the location.  Reenactors will generally like to be in a wooded/semi wooded area or around older mid 19^th century buildings for the right aesthetics. You have to decide how much room you will need to complete your project.  The reenactors will probably like to have a place where they can fire blank rounds in their weapons and possibly have a campfire although it is not mandatory.  We used Mossy Bank Park in Bath, NY which is a wooded park with trails and some open areas.  The activities were generally organized around a narrow paved loop.  We had use of several pavilions and a bathroom. We were also allowed to have a campfire at Mossy Bank Park. 

            Things to consider in selecting a location:

·        Is there enough room for all of the activities?

·        Proximity to school.

·        Will it require bus transportation?

·        Are there bathroom facilities?

·        Is it handicap accessible?

·        Can reenactors fire blank rounds in their weapons?

·        Is there a place to eat?  i.e.: picnic tables

·        Is there a drinkable water source?

·        Can you have a campfire?

·        Is there a place to go if the weather is severe?

·        Does it have the right 19^th Century feel or look?

Select a Date:  There are many things to work around and consider for selecting a date. This project fits the end of the 7^th grade curriculum.  There always seems to be a lot of field trips, concerts, assemblies, state tests, and other potential conflicts to work around.  Friday’s generally are best for most reenactors however our school chooses a Thursday because we often have other conflicts on Fridays.  Late May or early June is a good time to choose.  The weather is often warm, thunderstorms usually occur after the school day has ended and it is a good time to get the students outside the classroom.

Getting Permission:  We used an off-campus venue for our project.  Mossy Bank Park is owned and maintained by the Village of Bath.  I called the town clerk to get on the agenda to explain the project and get permission to use the park.  Our project was for the end of the school year however I attended the October board meeting to obtain permission as soon as possible.  The Bath Village Board was very supportive.  I told them that we would keep the park open to the public for the day and that the public was welcome to observe but that the activities are for the Bath Haverling students.  We obtained permission to use the park for the day, have a campfire, fire blank rounds in rifles and artillery, and reserve the three pavilions.  The reenactors were also granted permission camp out and get set up the night before the event.

***Projects on school grounds - Reenactors will need written permission from the school superintendent to bring weapons and fire blank rounds on school grounds.  Check with state and local laws for legality.

Notify Law Enforcement/911 Services:  This avoids a lot of potential problems.  I email the local police chief about two weeks prior to the event and give him the date, time, location, and information on firing rifles and artillery.  The police chief then notifies the 911 services, State Police, places a public service announcement in the local newspaper and radio.  This lets the public know to expect to hear gun and artillery fire.  Let your School Resource Officer know that reenactors will be bringing weapons to school if your project is going to be on school grounds.

Planning with Teachers:  This is very difficult at times.  Teachers schedules often do not line up for a common planning time, they have many other commitments, they have to meet the needs of their students, etc.  Ask for ideas of dates, times, and places to meet from all of the teachers interested in organizing the event.  You can possibly ask some release time during conference days or staff development days.  You should plan on meeting with your group at least once per month at least 5 months before the event.  Your group may want to meet more often as you get closer to the event. It is also a good idea to invite any reenactors you have lined up for the event to your meetings. Ask for a volunteer to act as secretary and take minutes so that teachers who cannot make it to the meeting can stay informed.

Plan Activities:  We have run as many as ten different activities to be run stations or battlefields for Civil War Day (CWD).  These activities include participation of both teachers and reenactors. The activities we have presented include Civil War baseball, medical field hospital, spy networks, roles of women and civilians, army food, daily life of a soldier, drill, music, artillery, load and shoot.  You will have to decide what you can do based on how many reenactors and teachers you have participating and what they are willing to do.  Many activities will have to be run reenactors because they will have the background knowledge, equipment, and experience however, some activities can be run by teachers Phys. Ed. Teachers can probably run the baseball station for you.

Training Company Commanders:  We divide the students in to small groups or Companies of soldiers for CWD.  Each company is led by students in the role of a Company Commander that we give the rank of Captain or Lieutenant and a 1^st or 2^nd Sergeant.  These student leaders volunteer to drill and learn how to become an officer. I visit all of the seventh grade social studies classes 6 to 8 weeks prior to the event and give them some details about CWD.  The meetings last about 10 to 15 minutes and the social studies teachers are very accommodating.  I ask the students for volunteers to be trained as officers and give them a training schedule.  Students meet with me two or three after school periods a week approximately six weeks prior to the event.  I am very clear that I will yell at them and call them all kinds of nasty names and make them do push-ups or sit-ups if the mess up or are fooling around and that I will be more of a drill sergeant instead of their teacher…they eat this up!  They love it.  It is really quite funny that they volunteer for this!  The biggest problem is that the students have other commitments like sports, other clubs, and academics.  I do not allow them to use Officer Training as an excuse to get out of sports, clubs, or academic commitments.  Usually I have a lot of students at the beginning and then numbers begin to slowly dwindle. 

I teach them how to stand, march, and act like a soldier and officer.  I have some “training rifles” and teach them how to handle a rifle. The training rifles are PVC pipe that is attached to some rejected gunstocks that I picked up from a gun manufacturer.  I am very strict that the officer candidates treat the training rifles as real weapons and not toys.  We use a modified version of Gilham’s Manual.  We also do other activities like making hardtack and company flags. 

Transportation:  Make arrangements with the school transportation office and fill out all appropriate paper work is completed if the event is not on school grounds and transportation is required.  Students will need to arrive back to school in time to catch their bus run.

Student Lunches:  We have each student bring their own bag lunch.  Arrangements are made with the school food services two weeks before the event for students who receive free or reduced lunches.

Teacher Lunches:  Teachers brought their own lunches for the first few times that we organized an event like this.  Several teachers approached me this year and asked to cook an authentic Civil War era lunch for the teachers and reenactors.  It went well.  The teachers did a fantastic job cooking over the fire with Dutch ovens. More information will follow.

Reenactor Lunches:  The school provides lunch for the reenactors.  Most of them are giving up a day from their work (at no charge to the school) to teach students about the Civil War and so the school provides lunch for them.  Previous projects included Italian Hardtack (pizza) with pepperoni and cheese, assorted sodas, and cookies.  The teachers cooked an authentic Civil War era meal for the reenactors and teachers.

Water: We ask each student to bring a full water bottle with them for the day.  We also borrow some of the portable water coolers from the athletic department and have them at the park for students to refill their containers.  There are drinking fountains at the park however they are not they reliable and the water is often rusty.

Nurse:  You are likely to have students who need medication.  You will need to make arrangements to have the school nurse dispense the medication.  Our school hires a substitute nurse for the day to go on the field trip and it works out well.  You will also want to make sure that student have appropriate medications if they have allergies to insect bites/stings or asthma.

Severe Weather:  Our event is a rain or shine event.  We do however make a severe weather back up plan.  We plan to move the event to the school bus garage in case of severe weather.  They will move the busses out of the garage and the reenactors can move in.  We might not be able to have a campfire or fire weapons but at least everyone will be safe.

Invitations:  We invited a lot of the local officials who support the event.  The village/town board, police department, school administrators, and the Board of Education are invited.  Many of them will not show up however a few will and they really appreciate the invitation.  Word will spread to other officials and it will help continue support.

Billboard Signs:  We have created a bunch of billboard signs that we put up in the school to build excitement for CWD.  We use some fonts that are not in the standard Microsoft package.  These fonts were downloaded from free websites on the Internet.  We looked at some real billboards and reproduced them so that we had them in electronic format.  We modified some to fit local history and we also changed some names on billboards to teacher’s names.  They look like real billboards.

Directions, Map, & Signs:  Mossy Bank Park is difficult to find if you are not familiar with the Bath area.  I downloaded a map from MapQuest and typed in directions and other information because some of the roads on the map are closed.  I emailed the map and directions to the reenactors prior to the event.  We also created a bunch of signs to help guide the reenactors to the park.  We put them up just before the event along the road side and intersections and take them down immediately after the event.  We have learned not to put the signs on round posts because the signs can spin around with a strong wind and point the wrong direction.

Conscripts:  All of the students will be drafted into an army for the day.  They will have a company commander and sergeant who have attended Officer Drill.  We divide the companies into two armies:  Union and Confederate.  Students are placed into an army at random regardless of race (this can be an issue).  We will make exceptions for strong objections or if someone has access to a uniform or equipment that is for a side and they plan on using for the day.  We are not trying to make little rebels or cause cultural problems in the school however we are trying to have a simulation of the war.  The Union has more companies than the Confederate forces as it was during the war.  It is important to inform that BOTH sides of the conflict had African-American troops although historians argue over the actual number of “colored troops” in the Confederate Army and that BOTH sides had issues of racism.  There were also slave states that remained in the Union.

Students were informed of the army they were drafted (conscripted) into two days before the event.  They were asked to dress in blue clothing if they were Union and grey or brown clothing if they were Confederate.  They received a draft notice with their name and company the morning of the event.  And reported to their company commanders and boarded the busses.

Teacher Chaperones:  Each company had a teacher chaperone.  The teacher can step in when the students do not want to take orders from their company commander (who is also a student).  This is one area that we have to clear up for next year.  We had two teachers who did not do a good job; one left her company and just did her own thing for a while, the other would escort her students to an activity and then step away and be on her cell phone for the next twenty minutes.  Sometimes a teacher can be as bad as some of the students.

Hardtack:  Hardtack is a very hard cracker that the Civil War soldiers were given as part of their daily rations.  Think of them as Civil War MREs (meals ready to eat).  The soldiers called them iron crackers, teeth dullers, and worm castles. We made arrangements with the Home and Careers Teacher to make Hardtack.  She was able to supply the flour, salt and let us use her facilities.  I had the students who volunteered to become officers make the Hardtack.  We cut the Hardtack into bite size pieces for the students to sample on CWD.  Recipe to follow.

Company Flags:  This is something we need to improve upon.  Some of our companies made flags and some did not.  I feel that it gives each company a little identity and something they can rally around.

Cooking Lunch:  Four teachers decided to cook lunch for the reenactors and the other teachers (about 50 people in all).  The lunch was successful because the teachers did their research on appropriate foods, some teachers had a little experience using Dutch ovens over the campfire, we were able to borrow enough Dutch ovens to cook everything, we had a large fire pit, and we used three large bags of charcoal.  We sent a general email out to the faculty and staff asking for cast iron Dutch ovens and I contacted some reenactors to bring or borrow their equipment.  We used firewood and charcoal.  The charcoal was important because it enable us to have a lot of long lasting heat to cook with.  We would have needed a lot more firewood to cook if we did not have the charcoal.  See Menu and Recipes for information on the dishes served.

Publicity:  Notify the school public relations officer and any local new agencies about the event.  It will be good PR for the school and help to continue support for the event in the future.  We have had the Corning Leader, The Courier, GST BOCES Newsletter, Bath Haverling Newsletter, and WETM all cover this event over the past few years.

Teacher Schedules:  Some teachers will not want to participate.  This does not mean that they get a day free of students.  Get permission and support from your building administrator to have teachers cover classes for other teachers who are participating in the event.  This will reduce the number of substitute teacher required for the day and save the school some money.  You will need a list of who is participating and who is not and the classes that need to be covered and who is available to teach the class.  This will take some planning.

Unit Competition & Money:  We organize a competition for the student-led companies.  Companies are expected to participate in all of the activities, be respectful, follow their company commander, and march as a unit between activities.  The teachers and reenactors running each activity give reproduction money to the unit commander at the end of the activity.  Companies can earn $0, $5, $10, or $20 at each activity.  The company commanders are responsible for receiving their pay.  Reenactors and teachers are given a rubric with a general description of expectations an how much to pay companies; the better the company, the better the pay.  A company will receive $0 if they march away without asking for pay.  The best Confederate Company and Union Company (the companies with the most money) will have an ice cream social shortly after the event.   

The Brig:  There are always some kids who cannot handle being in this kind of environment.  You need to have a plan to remove those students from the activities and possibly have then returned to school.  We have a vehicle provided by the school to transport a student(s) who are having trouble back to school and placed where there is closer supervision.

Tents:  We made dog tents (Civil War style pup tents) this year for each company.  They were set up in a company street like a Civil War encampment. Students stored their lunches and extra personal gear under their company tent.  It is a simple pattern but a lot of work to make the tents however we only have to make them once and it is something that we will be able to use every year.  They looked really cool!

Feedback:  The students complete a short survey the day after the event.  We basically ask them what they liked and disliked, what they would change or improve upon, and any other constructive thoughts about the event.    We also have a follow-up meeting with the teachers and I email the reenactors for feedback. We use the feedback for improving the event for the following year.

Clothing:  Students were asked to wear blue clothing for Union and grey or brown for Confederate.  Most students followed this request.  Many teachers asked if they could dress-up.  I was able to borrow some Union and Confederate uniforms and some dresses for the teachers.  They looked great.  I think that it helped them get into trip and really feel part of event.  I know teachers a Wayland-Cohocton have made some costume quality uniforms for teachers...we may look into doing the same.

Time Line:   Here is a basic timeline to follow.

   BEFORE THE EVENT-

• Contact Reenactors.                                         4-12 months prior to event (PTE)

• Teacher support.                                              6+ months PTE

• Administrative support.                         6+ months PTE

• Set up a planning schedule with teachers.           6+ months PTE

• Select a date.                                                    6-12 months PTE

• Recruit reenactors.                                            4-12 months PTE

• Roughly plan the activities.                                4-6 months PTE

• Secure location.                                                6-12 months PTE

• Make a back-up plan for sever weather.           3-5 months PTE

• Make signs to direct reenactors to the   Anytime before event after the site

event site.                                                         has been selected.

• Get appropriate permission for site,                   2-6 months PTE

campfire, weapons etc.

• Contact school transportation department          2-3 months PTE

for busses and extra school vehicle

for the Brig.

• Secure a nurse for the day.                                2 months PTE

• Recruit potential company commanders             1-2 months PTE          

and sergeants.

• Train officers - drill.                                          1-2 months PTE

• Make hardtack.                                                1 month PTE

• Make company flags.                                        1-4 weeks PTE

• Contact food services for free and                     1-2 months PTE

reduced lunches.

• Mail/email directions and information     1-2 weeks PTE

to reenactors.

• Send invitations.                                                2-4 weeks PTE

• Send permission slips home.                              2-3 weeks PTE

• Contact local law enforcement.             1 month PTE

• Contact local media.                                         1-2 weeks PTE

• Make an event schedule of events and   1-3 weeks PTE

assignments for companies, teachers,

and reenactors.

• Make a schedule for teachers who are not         1-3 weeks PTE

participating to cover classes of teachers

who are participating.

• Assign students to a company.

• Make an information packet for reenactors,       1-2 weeks PTE

company commanders, and teachers.   

• Photocopy any necessary materials.                  1-2 weeks PTE

• Secure water containers.                                   1-4 weeks PTE

• Order Italian Hardtack (pizzas) or                     4-6 weeks PTE

plan an authentic style lunch.

• Grocery shop.                                                  1 Day PTE

AT THE EVENT

• Set up camp and activities.

• Cook lunch.

• Clean, pack, and pick up after the event.

AFTER THE EVENT

• Survey students.                                               1-3 Days After Event (AE)

• Have a follow-up meeting with teachers.            1-7 Days AE

• Contact reenactors for feedback.                      1-7 Days AE

• Send out Thank-You cards.                              1-2 weeks AE

• Have the Ice Cream Social.                              1-2 weeks AE

Menu & Recipes:  Lunch Menu

·        Hardtack

·        Chicken, Sausage, & Bean Soup

·        Hoppin’ John (Long grain rice, black eyed peas, peppers onions, and bacon)

·        Georgia Corn Bread

·        Skillet Fried Apples

·        Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon

·        Lemonade

·        Peanut Brittle

Hardtack

6 cups              whole wheat flour

1 cup                water

2 tsp.                salt

Mix flour water and salt together into a very stiff dough.  Add more water if necessary.  Roll to ½ inch thick, cut (3”x 3” for actual size, smaller for bite size), separate, and perforate.  Place on ungreased cookie tray and bake at 400 degrees until DRY, DRY, DRY.  Place in a paper bag until ready to distribute.

Hoppin’ John

Water to soak peas

1 cup                            dry black-eyed peas

7 cups                          water

3 strips                         bacon

1                                  green bell pepper, chopped

1                                  small onion, chopped

3 cups                          water

1 cup                            long grain rice

1 tsp.                            salt

Soak peas overnight.  Next day, drain peas and place in Dutch oven with 7 cups of water, bring to boil at a medium-high heat.  Boil 1 hour.  Meanwhile cook strips of bacon until crispy.  Remove bacon and drain grease. Cook onion and pepper on skillet for 5 minutes.  Add to Dutch oven after peas have boiled for 1 hour.  Add rice, salt, and 3 cups of water.  Cook until rice is tender and remove from heat.  Let stand for 10 minutes. Crumple bacon over each serving.

Peanut Brittle

1 Tbs.              butter for greasing pan

1 ½ cups          unsalted peanuts (goober peas)

1 cup                sugar

½ cup               light corn syrup

1 tsp.                butter

1 tsp.                vanilla

1 tsp.                baking soda

Grease cookie sheet with butter.  Mix peanuts, sugar, and corn syrup in a large microwavable bowl.  Microwave for 7 minutes stirring after 4 minutes.  Add vanilla and butter and microwave 1 ½  minutes.  Add baking soda and mix quickly.  Stir until light and foamy.  Pour over baking sheet and cool.  Break hardened candy into pieces.

*We made this prior to the event

**other recipes will be available at summer TAH conference (2009).

Plans to Improve & Other Thoughts:  We need to improve the schedule for the reenactors.  The current schedule gives each activity a break.  This can be difficult when a reenactor needs to use the restroom or has other issues and they do not have a break soon.  It would also be nicer for the reenactors to see fewer groups so that they get a break from speaking all of the time.

The newly drafted students need some basic training in the morning before the activities begin.  We do plan some time for this but it is up to the company commander to train the company.  I think that we should have experienced reenactors help train the students.

The Tents were awesome.

We need to separate the lunch preparation with the Army Grub activity and a have at least two reenactors at that activity.

We need more Yankees; most of our reenactors were Confederates.

The students liked the activities that they were up and moving around more…look into making those activities longer and the more stationary activities shorter.

The food was fantastic.

The students need to be drafted before the day of the event.

Note to Students:

            On June 4th, you will be participating in a Civil War Day immersion for the entire school day.  The event will take place at Mossy Bank Park in Bath.  Draft notices will be delivered soon which will indicate which side you will be on.  You are encouraged to wear the colors of your ‘side.’ Blue is appropriate for Union and brown or grey is appropriate for Confederate. 

            You will also meet Civil War reenactors and living historians.  They might not be ‘politically correct’ by today’s standards when they are portraying a real Civil War soldier or civilian from the 1860s.  The reenactors refrain from derogatory remarks; however, they might make comments based on your appearance or behavior if it is not appropriate for the 1860s.

            You will need proper clothing/equipment for this event: 

Shoes, sneakers, or hiking boots – NO FLIP-FLOPS OR SANDALS.

Rain gear

Bag lunch

Blue clothing for Union

Brown or grey clothing for Confederate

Canteen or water bottle

Sunscreen

Hat or visor

Insect repellent

Your cooperation is expected and appreciated.

Thank you,

Mr. Cotton

Mr. Young

Mr. DiDomeneck

11/5  Planning meeting: 7^th Period

            Present: Jim Cotton, Ken DiDomineck and Dennis Young

Tentative day:  May 28^th – need to secure date w/ village board (then w/ school)

Then contact re-enactors (Doc Buell and Doc Annabell)

Planning for mtg after school – What did you like?  Ideas for this year?  What role do you          want to have?  Food?

11/5 Interested staff meeting:  2:30 in the MS Library

Present:

Jim Cotton, Ken DiDomineck, Stan Skolny, Sue Morris, Laura Storm, Dennis Young

Open suggestions from the floor for improvement:

1.  $ for completion of station…instead of open amounts…have Three                                      denominations of $.

·        Low amount – you showed up

·        Mid amount – did fine

·        Large amount – did a great job

2.  Improve spy station… have it more developed…with different messages/different instructions for      each group  (I will work on this…I created station, needs modification, Reenactor Stan Skolny      will run station as per my instruction)

3.  Kids wanted to do something tactical…  (Stan)  James, mentioned one re-enactor has seen where a school had the kids made guns, and cartridges (marshmallows) and  held a battle.

• One station would have two units at a time in combat…

• Hats made to help differentiate sides

• Students encouraged to wear colors for the day.

4.  Jim – would like to have shirts, etc for commanders – and would like teachers wearing          something         civil-warish….  Adults dressing up for the day.  (Jim may be able to borrow some dresses and          soldier clothing of the era from his reenactment group.)  I need to check with the Purple Team      to see who is interested in wearing wool…

5.  Civil War Songs? – shall we have piped in music during station changes or rely on musician from reenactors for music… decided to check with musician once one is secured.

6. Tent City? – will we pursue purchase of tent making materials?  Yes, we are looking at using TAH supply money for the purpose of making company “dog tents” for storage of lunches and gear for the day and to serve as an authentic “street” encampment.  We will look into this further.

3/31/09

Jim has sent out email to re-enactors:

He has had confirmation on:

Percy Clark (Daily Life)

Bedford Light Artillery (canon)

Bob Woodworth (School of the soldier) (Prince family kids coming – for help in station)

Bevin Lynn (Role of civilian women – with Sue Morris)

Doc Buell

Doc Spencer Anabelle

Mark Meyer

Nelson Drake (gun flour)  Zach Sawdey (gun flour)

Students:  (need permission)

Steve and Jesse Messmer

Colin McCloskey

Conner Martin 

Possibly:

Scott family (mom, 2-3 girls and boy), Joane Sawdey

I said we also have from School: 

Jim, Stan and Sue

Elizabeth Simms: Jim will make hardtack first week in May in her room.

Kristi and Brad… will split half day

Jim wants to invite Bob Yott – reenactor – local –

Jim talked to Michael about paying for Artillery, Doc Buell, lunch

Jim is concerned on Dan Cox…(cooking food…) If Dan doesn’t come, he will run this station.

Dennis will take care of transportation request…student lunches, permission slips.

Jim needs to set up training…

What teachers are going?

Green Teem Mtg (3/31/09):

Date is set… June 4^th  (originally set for May 29^th, but (conflict w/Doc Buell - so moved to June 4)

Some re-enactors coming the day before and camping over.

Jim went over what he and I had discussed earlier today….he will be in cooking area.

We need to get permission to have students from last year help us out with the day.

Jim has 3 musicians that would like to come…not sure…don’t get along with musician from 2 years ago… Not sure if original is planning on coming….Jim holding off on pushing for him until after he hears back from members of his unit.

Stations:

Baseball, cooking, daily life, drill, gun-flour relay, artillery, spy, medical, civilian

Adult garb:

Jim might be able to find period clothing if we are interested. 

Training:  Jim stopping in tomorrow to pitch Civil War Day officer training in My period 6 class and Ken’s classes.

Currency:

Instructions for students and re-enactors…dealing with currency… again, from earlier suggestion – 3 levels of currency for each station.  $5 – you showed up, $10 – you did fine, $20 – did a great job

Students will be encouraged to where grey and blue depending on which army they are drafted into.

Each companies officers will design an make a company flags to be carried by the unit on Civil War Day. 

Each company will also be issued one training “rifle” for the day.

Discuss next time:   flags, hats, tents,

(Homework: register online for Jo-Ann Fabrics in or order to qualify for deep discounts as we get closer to “go date”) – Done

4/1/09

Jim came in to period 6 in full garb recruiting.  He will come in next week to hit period 8.

4/7/09

Jim recruited officers in period 8.  Training begins in the middle school library on

4/21/09

Meeting w/ Jim:  How are we looking?

            I have put in bus request…3 busses and one van…van to be used for equipment and shuttling of students if necessary.

            I will meet with Michael (principal) to discuss rain location in case we have severe weather.

5/12/09

Dennis needs to Contact Paul …find out how supplies reimbursement works (done by email – Carol Shick 5/13)

            We want canvas for making tents…grommets, stakes.

We have a design for making hats…provided by Ms. Baxter…maybe next year…felt with glue we tried last year did not stand up to the day… looking at sewing them.

What is our priority? – hats or tents.

            Tents…it is decided…lets get pricing…Jim and I will both do some searching.

Shirts…can we get some at the Salvation Army for officers uniforms…so we can sew on insignia rather than tying them on armbands?  (maybe next year…pickings were slim @ salvo)

Check with Michael on how we need to handle purchases of materials - Purchase orders/tax exempt form?

            (answer – depends on the supplier)

5/20 

We have pricing, tax exempt info and are off to shop…Jo-Ann Fabrics and Home Depot.  (kinda a bust, local Jo-Ann’s is closing, can not order material for us…we will check online and 1-800 # for help…

5/21

Jo-Ann’s very helpful, but expensive…shipping will cost way too much and can not guarantee shipping date due to reorganization.  We will check at 2 local stores and stores in the Rochester area to see if we can get enough canvas for the tents.  We

5/25

Action item:

            I have a list of chaperones attending Civil War day….and coverage needed here at school.  Ask                        Michael for his help in figuring out who will cover what periods here at school.  (he                    decreed the Learning Center will be closed and the Library will remain open with study                     halls shifted to the library w/ Teresa Dowdle.)

5/29

Action item:

            Who is our nurse for the day?  Ms. Ward who usually goes on trips is very ill right now – could              not go on zoo trip today…  somehow we missed this…who was responsible…me? (fix                this, talk with Nurse Joyce Stevens and Michael Siebert to work this out – we need a                      nurse on site…2 diabetics etc.)

6/1

Action item:

            Nurse:  list of students going has been delivered.  They are still working on who is going as the               nurse. (2:18 pm….we have a nurse!  YES)

            Karen Hart (PR person) contacted us for info. to share with local media. Jim will communicate               with her.

            Ken will contact Pat Shugars (cafeteria) about free/reduced lunches for the day.

            Jim sent me the rough draft of packet…look it over and return…modify?

6/2

Action items:

            Email list of no permission slip yet to Jen D’Abbracci…ask her to encourage participation.

            Get list of free/reduced lunch requests to Ken so he can forward to cafeteria.

6/3

Team Monday…..suggestions:

When kids first show up have a reenactor assigned to each group to help commanders with the basics of drill (how to stand and how to march.)

Shorten stations where they sit and double up stations where they are active.

Bars, applets, and chevrons given out day before:

Draft will be day before…last period of the day. (Troop train and company listed)

            Draft notice is ticket for train in the morning – helps with attendance.

Commanders excused the day before for trip to mossy bank…8^th period and 9^th period for prep work and to get them excited for the day.

Give them a framework:

Teacher support, Administrative support, reenactors Beford 6 – Daily life 4 food 1 . Civilian4 life docto3r spy 2 school 3 music 2relay 2 baseball - 

14 stayed the night…Paul Sherer.

 - $ – Percy clark..daughter…21^st Georgia, Bedford light artillery,  location, Date?, permission…schools…weapons…mike skelly – October board meeting…village…notify law local police chief…enforcement 911 – state troopers last year, radio, newspaper…notify pr person.  Planning with teachers….difficult…Jim was flexible, but our schedule was really not.

Civil War Day at Mossy Bank Park

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The 7^th grade teachers have planned a Civil War Day field trip at Mossy Bank Park.  Students will participate in a variety of hands-on activities that will help them learn about the Civil War.  Approximately 20 to 30 Civil War Reenactors in attendance. This event will be rain or shine.   

Field Trip Details                                                       What to Bring

Location:                      Mossy Bank Park, Bath NY     Bag Lunch

Date:                            June 1, 2007                            Shoes, sneakers, or hiking boots – NO FLIP-FLOPS OR

Time:                            8:30-2:05                                                                                        SANDALS. Transportation:             School Busses                          Bag lunch

Costs:                           No charge                                Blue clothing for Union

                                                                                    Brown or grey clothing for Confederate

Canteen or water bottle

Sunscreen

Hat or visor

Insect repellent

Raingear

Sign and return the bottom portion of this permission slip to your child’s teacher by ________________.

Student Name  _____________________________    Homeroom Teacher ______________________________  

Emergency information                                                                                    Special Instructions:

In case of emergency, please contact:

_______________________________________________             

                        Name/relationship                                                          

Phone ______________________________

2nd Phone  __________________________

I give permission for my child, _____________________________________________ to attend the field trip to Mossy Bank Park on June 1, 2007.

_________________________________________________________________           __________________

                                       Parent/Guardian signature                                                                                  Date

Rations (Lunch):

Name _____________________________________ Homeroom teacher_______________________________

Student Number: ____________________________

My child requests a bag lunch from the school cafeteria ______ YES                    ______NO

Students who regularly receive a free or reduced lunch will also receive a free or reduced bag lunch if requested.

Bag lunches must be paid for in advance by May 29.

Additional Documents:

Recruitment poster.pdf

Surgeon flyer 2006 modified May 2006.pdf

78th NY Regt.pdf

CHARLESTON.pdf

Warning to Traitors.pdf

Attention Citizens.pdf

Invitation 2009.pdf

7th Grade Company Drill Schedule.pdf

7th Grade Company Drill Schedule2.pdf

Manual of Instruction.pdf

Civil War Money.pdf

1000 Substitutes.pdf

Load and Shoot Relay.pdf

Round template.pdf

Drill attendance.pdf

Student Reenactor Permission.pdf

Union Draft Notice.pdf

Confederate Draft Notice.pdf

 

www TDHAH.com

Jamestown Public Schools

197 Martin Road

Jamestown, NY 14701

Project Director: Paul Benson
716.483.7112
Fax: 716.483.7104

Web Design and  Research Team:
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 Rick Bates
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