Civil War Living History Day

Our Civil War School Living History Presentations have been developed to provide a hands-on, live approach to the study of the Great Conflict. The program is designed to assist the student in understanding the everyday men and women who struggled and sometimes died for their beliefs during that turbulent time in our nation's history.

COMPLETE ENSEMBLE FULL DAY, SMALLER SHORT DAY, AND INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE

Each of our living historians has extensive historical background in the Great Conflict. They have researched the people and units they portray and are considered experts in their particular area of interest. They bring into the classroom a "hands-on" concept which brings a real life aspect of the materials presented and enhances the experience for the student.

	THE INFANTRY Students will hear about the life of the soldier from both the Union and Confederate side of the story; see his clothing and equipment, food, personal effects and weaponry. They will see firing demonstrations of the musketry and the flash of the bayonet. Each presentation explains the reasons why men volunteered for service and the horrors and boredom they faced. Union and Confederate soldiers available.
	THE ARTILLERY The impression of what it was like to be part of the long arm of the services. Presentation includes a full scale cannon and crew and the firing of the gun & training of students in the workings of the piece. A history of the Artillery is also presented. Limited Availability, please inquire
	THE CAVALRY Includes horse instruction (weather permitting), cavalry drill and presentation of the equipment, uniforms and life of the trooper. Limited Availability, please inquire
	Medicine of the Civil War This program gives insight into practices of the era and allows student participation during simulated operations and their procedures. Actual instruments of the period are displayed and used in the presentation. Given in the "first person" by a doctor of the period who worked with the troops, this will give fresh look into the conditions of the practice of medicine in the 1860's and one of the "non-military" aspects of the War. A surgeon of the 15th Corp Medical Field Hospital and Regimental Surgeon of the 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry presents a spectacular period medical scenario that includes a full, original surgical kit used during the war.
	MUSIC of the CIVIL WAR Music of the period with sing along and demonstration of instruments of the time. This is a very popular item especially when a Ball is chosen instead of afternoon battle.
	CIVILIAN Presentation of the civilian side of the conflict through the eyes of a woman civilian and includes a discussion of women's roles, social structures and clothing.
	MR. AND MRS LINCOLN Max and Donna Daniels present a nationally celebrated offering as the President and Mrs. Lincoln. Question and answer period is included. Hear the stories of the Great Emancipator!
	The HL Hunley & the Confederate Navy This VERY interactive program dives deep into the workings of the Confederate Navy and the inter-workings of the Confederate submarine, the HL Hunley. From the men who crewed the the submarine to how it was built, rebuilt, steered, and lost, Mr. Quick brings this rarely seen historical interpretation back to the surface. Participants take on the roles of the crew and do their best to operate one of the Confederacy's greatest weapons.
	Harriet Tubman Generally, a one half hour to one hour performance would consist of basic background information on slavery, targeting how certain foods and customs are being carried forward in the world today, hence the information is connected to Harriet Tubman�s life from childhood to death. The focus is on the specific hardships that Harriet had to endure and eventually overcome. The program concludes with at powerful spirit and song-filled first person characterization of Harriet Tubman, alive and free! Additional questions are then taken by Mrs. Welcome at the end of the program, time permitting.
	Louisa May Alcott and the Civil War Nurses Author of the classic children's story, "Little Women",and a Civil War Hospital Nurse. Louisa May Alcott was just one of 5000 women who volunteered in Union Army hospitals during the 4 years of the Civil War. This presentation examines the role women played in hospitals and medical units for both the Union and Confederate Armies during the Civil War. Why did they go? What were their responsibilities? What type of conditions did they work in? These are just a few of the questions this new presentation explores.
	CIVIL WAR COEHORN MORTAR DEMONSTRATIONS AND PRESENTATION! Living Historian Jim Tulloch portrays an artilleryman of the Civil War. Through live fire demostrations, Mr. Tulloch will trace the history, use, and tactics of the Civil War Coehorn Mortar. Presentation are 30 to 40 minutes. He is also available for live firings for concerts and other special events. .
	Pauline Cushman Union Spy
	Senator Stephen A. Douglas Bill Hartgrove portrays Senator Stephen Douglas as a Senator and Judge from Illinois. He was involved in the pre-Civil War issues of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, The Dred-Scott Decision, drafting the Compromise of 1850. He was Chairman of the Committee on Territories for the Senate. Stephen Douglas' vision for Chicago & the building of the Illinois-Michigan Canal brought commerce to Illinois. He beat Lincoln for the Senate in 1858 and traveled Illinois giving the seven Douglas-Lincoln debates: the same issues involved in the Civil War.

200-250 students is normal for the presentations which are held in a round robin format. Please call or inquire for a more detailed explanation and for pricing.