Civil War Day brings history to life for 7th graders

(May 25, 2012) Seventh grade students participated in Civil War Day on Thursday, May 24.

As part of the day’s activities, the 125th New York Volunteer Regimental Association set up a living history encampment on school grounds. Students were divided into different “companies” and rotated through a series of learning stations ranging from a medical tent to a drill station. Re-enactors led the workshops and taught students about the Civil War and the life of a typical soldier through a hands-on approach.

The students also saw a portion of the educational version of the movie “Glory.” The movie is based on the letters of Colonel Robert G. Shaw who was an officer in the Federal Army during the American Civil War. Shaw volunteered to lead the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which was the first unit to be comprised of African-American soldiers. The purpose of the movie is to not only educate students about the Civil War but also to expose them to the prejudices of African-Americans faced during this time period.