Veronica Wiese is a living historian who will visit your classroom in the character of a woman from either the mid 18th or pre-Civil War 19th centuries. At times, to help make the activity more interesting and involve more students, she may be accompanied by her family and/or other living historians.

Through discussion and activities about culture, daily life, chores, foods, education, travel, clothing, medicine, government and other elements of civilization, PAST CONNECTIONS brings history alive for your students!

Available Programs

A Day in the Life – helps students understand the lifestyle of the people living in times past through activities with chores, education, foods, clothing, etc.
Cost for this program: $3.00 per student*

The Builders of a Nation – introduces students to the contributions of everyday people to the growth and building of the United States of America.
Cost for this program: $3.00 per student*

What’s a penny worth? – Students will be able to see examples of the currencies of the time, learn the value of money, and explore the goods available for purchase. We will also explore the barter system that was in use.
Cost for this program: $3.00 per student*

Buggies, Carts and Wagons – investigates modes of transportation available in the 18th or 19th centuries, how long it took to travel, what one would pack, and the affect of travel on the growth of the nation.
Cost for this program: $3.00 per student*

Straight from the Horse’s Mouth – Students will learn to use primary sources. Journals, art work, letters, legal papers, and other documents will be examined to uncover historical facts.
Cost for this program: $3.00 per student*

Send for the Doctor! – Discover the differences - and similarities - in health and medical care through the centuries, and how the attitudes regarding medicine and health affected daily life.
Cost for this program: $3.00 per student*

(*Price may increase if travel distance is more than 50 miles.)

Special Programs for Homeschools
and
Public groups

Though the following programs can potentially be done in any order, we suggest that homeschool groups complete them as given.
A special iron-on patch for each different program will be given to those children who complete the classes.

Introduction to Living History - (1 day) - This program introduces children to the history and basic skills of the 18th and pre-Civil War 19th centuries with hands-on programs such as spinning, weaving, open-fire cooking, wood-working, fire-starting, etc. Living historians in period clothing will set up authentic camps and work with your children in an atmosphere that will encourage excitement in history and further learning. Special activities are provided for small children.
Cost for this program: $10 per child, 5 to 18 years old, $2 per child who participates 2 - 4 years old.

Builders of a Nation - (3 days) - Children learn what was required to build the new nation of the United States by exploring colonial frontier history and skills. Classes include "Building a Nation", "So You're Lost", first aid, lashing & knots, archery, "Frontier Geometry", Native American pottery, "So You Think It's Just A Rope?", wild plants, fire-making, candle-making, beginning sewing, and animal tracking. Special activities can be planned, such as blackpowder shooting, archery, and tomahawk throw, a militia drill for the young men, and a water balloon battle between the "French" and "English" settlers. Games are included in this program such as the native Creek "stickball" and frontier games. Participants will be asked to research a topic, then prepare and present skits as either individuals or families. There are skills competitions, a skills Challenge, and a special frontier "trade blanket". An 18th century dinner will be provided one night for the participants by the living historians. Special activities are provided for small children. Participants are invited to camp with the living historians during the duration of the program.
Cost for this program: $35 dollars per child, 5 to 18 years old, $10 per child who participates 2 - 4 years old.
*NOTE: Groups who schedule this program are responsible for locating a site on which to hold the camp. Other preparations may also be necessary. Please contact us for details.

Stepping Back in Time - (4 days) - This program builds on the skills and history learned in Builders of A Nation. Children 12 and older are invited to attend an overnight "trek" and camp with living historians and parent chaperones to learn leadership skills and become members of "Oglethorpe's Rangers". While reviewing and adding to skills learned in other camps, children will also build (with assistance) a notched-log fort, learn to set traps and snares, and practice writing with ink and quills. Young ladies will have their own special activities, while the young men review militia drills. The trade blanket, skit night, and a battle between the white settlers and Natives will also be held. An 18th century dinner will be provided one night for the participants by the living historians. Special activities are provided for small children. Participants are invited to camp with the living historians during the duration of the program.
Cost for this program: $45 dollars per child, 5 to 18 years old, $15 per child who participates 2 - 4 years old.
*NOTE: Groups who schedule this program are responsible for locating a site on which to hold the camp. Other preparations may also be necessary. Please contact us for details.

Trading Places - (3 days) - Continuing the progression of learning begun in the first three programs, participants in Trading Places will review and add to skills learned in other camps. They will also learn how the different trades such as carpenters, brickmakers, tailors, farmers, etc., were necessary and influential in building and prospering frontier communities. Children 12 years old and older will again be invited to attend an overnight "trek" and camp with living historians and parent chaperones. Young men will again participate in the militia drill, while young ladies will have their own activities. The trade blanket, skit night, water-balloon battle, and period dinner will also be held. Special activities are provided for small children. Participants are invited to camp with the living historians during the duration of the program.
Cost for this program: $35 dollars per child, 5 to 18 years old, $10 per child who participates 2 - 4 years old.
*NOTE: Groups who schedule this program are responsible for locating a site on which to hold the camp. Other preparations may also be necessary. Please contact us for details.

In Addition...

PAST CONNECTIONS is also available for more casual demonstrations or small hands-on activities at public or private venues. Demonstrations and activities may include 18th and 19th century open-hearth or open-fire cooking, drop and wheel spinning, loom weaving, twining, candle-making, soap-making, cord-making, leather-working, hand-sewing, and other "primitive" skills.

PAST CONNECTIONS will be happy to set up a period camp and share history, customs, and skills from the 18th and pre-Civil War 19th centuries. Please contact us for information and prices.