 |
| Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation |
How did you learn about history? Did you memorize lists of dates from dusty old textbooks or did you dive into historical novels like Little House on the Prairie and The Red Badge of Courage? Today, history is refusing to stay confined within the covers of books and teachers and history fans have found even better methods to make it jump from the page.
My daughter’s 4th grade teacher has been running an Oregon Trail simulation in her classroom. From making the mistake of buying a snake oil remedy to the wise decision to avoid highly touted shortcuts, the kids are learning the challenges and the unknowns of life on the trail. Today they are rafting down the Columbia on the final stretch of their journey. I hope they make it. They’ve already lost one student to cholera!
I recently joined a Facebook group that will be doing a virtual Titanic cruise in honor of the 100th anniversary of that fatal trip. (It’s a closed group, but you can request to be included–she hasn’t turned anyone down yet). I’ve already picked out my virtual evening gown and I’m looking forward to be discussing the culture, fashion and history of 1912 with other history fanatics. Another group, The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers in Salem, Massachusetts, is offering dances, teas and concerts in period dress. What fun!
My daughter and I dream of going to Colonial Williamsburg, a 301 acre community dedicated to living history. My son (who likes war-time history) would prefer Gettysburg or Pearl Harbor.
I have friends that participate in Civil War, Renaissance, and WWII reenactments. People joke about adults playing dress-up–but it’s so much more than that. It’s a way to explore our past and make history come to life. While researching my novel, First Impressions, I discovered the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles that hosts Gatsby picnics and Preservation Balls with people attending in 1920s fashions. I’ve got to confess to drooling over my computer keyboard as I scanned through the pages of gorgeous photographs.
I have little doubt that with the hysteria surrounding the Masterpiece Theater sensation, Downton Abbey, the trend toward re-enactment will continue and even further diversify. Besides, why should the kids have all the fun of playing dress-up?
So, if you could choose any time period, which one would you like to re-enact?
Late 18th century. I’ve already bought the gown. 🙂 Stays are being made. But where will I wear it in OREGON?
Wish my history classes had been that creative. I didn’t really become interested in history until I discovered historical fiction. Thankfully that happened before I graduated high school.
How fun, Lori! Quite a few writers were wearing period costumes to the ACFW awards banquet last year. Maybe OCW needs to do a historical costume event. I’d love to own a few gowns, too. I drool over the photos on Pinterest.
Cool post. What a fun idea. My grandfather was a journalist in NYC who wrote one of the first article on the Titanic sinking. I’ll have to honor him on the 100th anniversary. Maybe watched the Leo version movie. Enjoy your virtual cruise, what a fun idea!