Rosemont Middle School Hosts Civil War Night

Hundreds of students, parents and community members came together for Civil War history night at on May 26. This event is an annual tradition at Rosemont and is sponsored by the history department, PTA, and the local Kiwanis Clubs.

Stacy Fox, a teacher at Rosemont, decided to make this year's event particularly special because it is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

"We want to give the children an opportunity to learn what daily life was like for those in the war and the historical significance to America today," said Fox, who wore a traditional dress from the Civil War era.

Rosemont principal Dr. Cynthia Livingston was also in a Civil War-era dress and welcomed families and community members to participate in all of the activities. Students proudly displayed their Civil War reports and presentations on tables set up around the school.

Attendees were able to participate in five different learning stations. Each student was given a "passport" that would be stamped off after visiting each station, and later could be turned in for extra credit.

Mr. Anker, a Rosemont history teacher, came dressed in full Abraham Lincoln attire to recreate the assassination of America's 16th President. Eighth grader Katherine Nolte said, "I am so excited to be here and it's fun to see our teachers all dressed up for the event. I can't believe they are going to shoot Mr. Anker!"

Rod Yonkers, the music director at Rosemont, lead a sing-along in the amphitheatre. Traditional songs sung during the Civil War were taught to the students and there was even a drum line for accompaniment. Some of the students seemed a bit apprehensive at first, but once things got started they really seemed to have a great time.

Jeff Lawson, a Glendale resident and an actor with the Second Vermont Volunteers, came dressed as a union soldier. Lawson's station was aimed at teaching the students about the life of a union soldier during the Civil War.

"The average person was the soldier in this war- there were not trained professionals. They had to learn how to march, fight, and fire a musket," said Lawson. He later fired off a real musket in a demonstration for the students.

A Civil War training camp was set up on the grassy area above the assembly hall where students could learn how to march, follow commands, and survive the harsh conditions of the war. The shaded lunch shelter was the home to the medicine booth where students learned about how medicine and first aid was delivered in the field. The station even included some gruesome war wound stories to capture the attention of middle school boys.

This event truly brought to life the history of the Civil War for the students and families in a way they will always remember.

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