Over 1,000 will experience Civil War history

The word is out to Central Oregon educators that one of the best ways to learn about history is to see it, talk to it and experience it.

This will happen Friday, May 20, when 1,175 students from 14 schools will visit a full Civil War reenactment and engage with "living history."

"This is our third year in Central Oregon and the most students we have ever hosted for our school day," said event coordinator David Banks. "We park a lot of busses in the forest that day."

Students tour the camps and interact with reenactors portraying a range of personalities as they go about jobs undertaken in the 1860s. These activities range from daily civilian life involving cooking, sewing and chores to military activities like marching, tenting, caring for horses and artillery pieces.

Everything possible is done to ensure credibility. There are no electronic devices, autos or modern conveniences. Reenactors wear authentically reproduced clothing, fire black-powder weapons, cook over open fires, use antique tools and medical practices of the day, and sleep in canvas tents.

Students will have the opportunity to handle and march with replica muskets and learn about 1860s fashion and what life for women and children was like during the Civil War.

A special appearance by Abe Lincoln is scheduled for 11 a.m. Students will be able to ask questions of the residents as long as they pertain to matters of the 1800s.

"About 300 people take time off from work, and travel to Camp Sherman to provide this educational opportunity for our students. It's remarkable dedication to providing a unique history lesson," noted Banks. "We should thank our teachers for taking advantage of this special opportunity."

The field trip to House on Metolius Meadow on Friday is only for students and teachers. The general public is welcome Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22. Mock battles, firing real black powder, are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

The event is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. House on Metolius (www.metolius.com) is off Highway 20, two miles north of Camp Sherman, off road 1420.

The reenactment is presented by the nonprofit organization, Northwest Civil War Council (http://nwcwc.org).