From the sounds of cannon fire to the smell of the blacksmith’s forge, for Silver Creek students, life during the Civil War came alive. Re-enactors from Reynolds’ Battery recently made camp on the front lawn of Silver Creek Middle/High School.
In the 1860s Reynolds’ Battery was a militia out of Rochester, NY that served for the entirety of the Civil War. Now, the re-enactors, many of which are current or retired teachers, come from all over western New York to keep history alive.
For the past eight years, seventh-grade students have enjoyed learning about aspects of the Civil War first hand in an experience like a field trip, that was just steps outside their classroom.
“These events are an opportunity for kids to ask questions, to relate to the history and understand. That’s what makes these events so impactful and relevant,” Blacksmith Jonathan Bernard, said.
The students rotated through the tents to learn about different aspects of the war. From uniforms to medical supplies, sutler (general store) to smithing and leather working to music, the students experienced something new at each station. The students also listened to primary source letters from one re-enactor’s own family history.
“The re-enactment lets the students see and touch history outside the classroom,” Social Studies Teacher Ray Graf said. “I love to see them taking pictures. It is the type of lesson they will bring home and share with their families and that’s really important.”
The tradition that brought out the most excitement in students was the cannon firing. The re-enactors lined up in formation and explained the steps that go into preparing, loading and firing a Civil War-era cannon. Then three loud booms could be heard across the SCCS campus.
Not only does the day’s events pull from social studies curriculum, but it also leans into ELA, science and math/logistics. As the students traveled to each station, they had a cypher to solve by the end of the day. The Civil War is the last unit seventh-graders study and their year will be capped off with a mini project that is largely inspired by the day’s events.
As this exciting tradition continues, Silver Creek Schools would like to thank everyone involved for their adaptability and the community for their cooperation.
