Revolutionary Day was . . . REVOLUTIONARY!
On February 4 over 200 students from eight different classes from across northeastern Oklahoma had a “Revolutionary” experience at the University of Tulsa. As the fifth graders from Hominy’s Horace Mann Elementary, Anderson Schools, Tulsa’s University School, Kendall-Whittier, Mark Twain, Skelly, and Union’s Peters Elementary hurried up the stairs of the University of Tulsa’s Allen Chapman Activity Center the excitement shone in their faces. All these children were dressed in colonial attire as they were greeted by the Daughters & Sons of the American Revolution. In the opening ceremonies, Allie Verner from Peters Elementary won first place in the essay contest for her entry, “What Freedom Means to Me.” As the day progressed the schools rotated to different activities throughout the day. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens brought Martha Washington (Mary Wiseman) who was so engaging with the students. Lyric Theatre from Oklahoma City performed “1776 Interactive” which is an audience-involved musical about the creation of the Declaration of Independence. The Oklahoma History Center’s Jason Harris and Ben Clark taught the students how to drill like Revolutionary Soldiers. Ben Franklin (Steve Smith) related some of the famous sage’s advice to the children. The University of Tulsa’s Law Students debated the American Revolution as the Loyalists and Patriots. The George Washington Teaching Ambassador had the fifth graders singing and dancing about the French and Indian War and the Revolution. After this whirlwind of Early American experiences the students were each given a large copy of the Declaration of Independence and George Washington Trading Cards.
This experience was created by a committee that included the Principal of Kendall-Whittier Judy Feary, Dessa Weber of Kendall-Whittier, Kay Leslie from Union Schools, Debby Venable from Wilson, Beth Howard from Mark Twain, and the George Washington Teaching Ambassador. Revolutionary Day was funded by donations/gifts from the George Washington Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, the President of the Oklahoma Foundation of Excellence Chip Oppenheim, Bob & Ann Kuykendall, the Kendall-Whittier Foundation, the University of Tulsa, the Oklahoma History Center, the D.A.R. & S.A.R., and the Oklahoma Humanities Council.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
It was a day my students will remember for a long time. They were still talking about it today at school. I am so proud of Allie & her first place win!!
February 16th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
What an incredible living history day! Let's hope to make it bigger next year! Thanks to all who helped make it possible, especially Jan and Mount Vernon!
February 16th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
It is the way history was meant to be studied.....through reenactment. History came alive for everyone not just the students. History was a living breathing experience which proved invaluable in the explanation of its importance in our lives today. Thank you for the wonderful planning that made lifelong learning concrete!