History teachers offers credit for attending historical event

Although to some, history is a dead subject, it is key to many to understanding the past, which in turn can shape the future. This upcoming weekend, on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, history will come alive in the form of a living retelling of the Civil War.

The Fresno Historical Society, in partnership with The American Civil War Association, hosts the 28th annual Civil War Revisited. Battle reenactments will be held in Kearney Park along with a Saturday night camp, dinner and dancing, carriage rides, civilian life walkthroughs, and much more.

History teacher Kori Friesen offers extra credit to students who decide to attend proving participation with a informational paper and two selfies with reenactors. After experiencing the event first hand, Friesen is impressed with the realistic detail the actors portray.

“One of my continual goals in teaching history is to make history real and something we connect to while gaining historical perspective,” Friesen said. “The Civil War Re-enactment brings just that. Bringing one of the most influential conflicts in our nations history to life. This is the closest to time travel that our students can experience in our valley.”

Senior Stephen Walters participated as a Union Soldier in the reenactment last year and enjoys the authentic atmosphere. 

“My experience as a re-enactor was a good one,” Walters said. “I was recruited just as I arrived. I was shown how to shoot blanks and given a uniform and taught our formation. We just hung around camp until the battle where we acted as if we were shot when we ran out of ammo. I thought the event was great. The immersion of the loud cannon fire and musket blanks going off is more surreal as an actor than as a viewer.   The experience as a soldier for the union opened my eyes to the reality these brave men of our past faced.”

Many visitors attend the event because of the realistic battle re-enactments. Saturday battles are at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. while Sunday only has one at 1:30 p.m.  Historical figures, an authentic field camp, medicine tents, field hospital and period music and band performances all are a part of the event.

A soldiers’ dinner is scheduled at 7 p.m. on the Mansion veranda, Oct. 20. This special event consists of supper, dessert, live music, and dancing with the re-enactors. Separate tickets are required on The Fresno Historical Society website. Other activities include listening to President Lincoln deliver the Second Inaugural Address, visiting period artisans, touring the historic Kearney Mansion, and walking through Union and Confederate Army Camps.

Ashley Winchell, ’19, has attended the reenactment before and encourages others to attend.

“I would’ve liked to go to the reenactment but I can’t make it. It seems like a time machine in a way. It’s an experience, you’re going back in time to see what it was like in civil war times and what it was like to fight for freedom.”

Friesen emphasizes the importance history holds in youth and often uses former British Prime Minister’s quote: “Those that fail to learn about history are doomed to repeat it.” – Churchill

This quote hangs on my wall and I truly believe it,” Friesen said. We are raising up the next generation of leaders and without a knowledge and understanding of the past the future looks a little discouraging. As a nation our greatest strength lies in the foundations of the people who carry it.”

Event Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 – 12, kids 5 and under free. Free parking is included. The event lasts from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Oct 21, and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oct. 22. Be sure to arrive early as event traffic backs up before gates open.

For more articles read COLUMN: Cabin leaders meditate on first Calvin Crest experience. For more upcoming events, read Sophomores prepare for Museum of Tolerance.

For more by this author, read: Michelle Warkentin prepares to part ways with campus

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