Helena Alves, 5th grade teacher at Madison Elementary, believes that a dream field trip for any history teacher is a field trip that makes history come to life for students. Using her PEF Field Trip Grant, Alves was able to make the Revolutionary War an in person experience as the 5th graders visited Riley’s Farm.
Riley’s Farm is an Oak Glen apple orchard that hosts historical reenactments for students. The Revolutionary War tour turned students into American colonists during that turbulent era as they were led on a tour around a recreation of a colonial township. Students interacted with the townsfolk and immersed themselves in what it was like during that time and the difficulties faced. The students also explored different workshops about what life was like during the Revolutionary war. (The full list of the tour’s exciting workshops and experiences are included below.)
Alves was happy to see her students engaging enthusiastically with the walking tour. For many students, living through the Revolutionary War provided a new perspective on the injustices that pushed the American colonists to rebel against the Crown. The tour helped to make the struggles of people from over a century ago more concrete and left the Madison 5th graders with a deeper appreciation of the country’s history.
“This trip is special not only because of the rich historical content but also because it will serve as our Grade 5 promotion celebration trip. I can think of no better way to celebrate the future than honoring the past. Students will remember this trip, always!”
-Helena Alves, Madison Elementary
- The Stamp Act –
In 1765, King George III levied a tax upon the American Colonists known as the Stamp Act; a fee to be paid on every form of printed document. Decide where you stand as an American. Will you pay your tax or stand firm against the Tax collector Andrew Oliver? “No Taxation without Representation!”
- The Admiralty Court –
Experience the injustice of the maritime Admiralty Court led by loyalist judge Robert Auchmooty. Students
will be put on trial for smuggling, and attempt to win their freedom before a kingsman who acts as judge, jury, and prosecution.
- The Quartering Act –
King George ordered the Colonists to surrender their homes to British Regulars whenever called upon.
Americans would have to house and feed the soldiers under the Quartering Act law, even if they had to temporarily live elsewhere. You may even witness firsthand the type of illegal search of private quarters that gave rise to our Fourth Amendment!
- A Well Regulated Militia –
Fall in line and learn to march, turn, and fire your musket as an enlistee into the township militia. This training may prove useful if the Regulars intend on attacking the township!
- The Blacksmith –
Learning the trade of a Blacksmith entailed committing to a seven-year apprenticeship. Learn how iron was forged into useful tools, or how pewter was transformed from molten metal to toy soldiers.
- 18th Century Games –
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Experience various games children would play during the 18th century. Try your hand at Trapball, Hoop and Stick, the Game of Graces, and more!
- Etiquette –
As a young boy, not yet sixteen years of age, George Washington copied out a set of instructions regarding proper social behavior in a book he titled, ‘The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” Learn the proper way to conduct yourself in the atmosphere of 18th-century social protocol.
- Weaving –
After England announced its intention to govern in various avenues in American living, King George took an investment in cloth. Many Colonists took a patriotic stance to refuse trade with English broadcloth.
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The field trip culminates with students taking part in a Revolutionary War battle reenactment of the 1775 Battle of St. George’s Tavern
