I home schooled my children and some of our most favorite memories are of the battles we studied. We would take an in depth look into several of the American wars, read about them, act out portions, create maps, go out in the yard and have battles, do biographical reports of commanders – all sorts of things. We even made a Revolutionary quilt one year and I remember guiding my sons on my sewing machine helping them to add the patchwork squares we had made of cannons, houses, the Liberty Bell, and trees. Great memories – and things that helped them appreciate and remember some of the most important events that make up the great country we live in. I still have the quilt. It is a special reminder of some of the best days of my life.
When possible, after we completed our study of a particular war, we would go visit the place where some part of this history could be viewed. We took the kids to Gettysburg one spring to tour the battle sites and visit the museums and displays and the war paraphernalia. I can still recall the feelings of walking over the battlefield where 7,863 were killed, 27,224 wounded, and 11,199 missing – a total of 46,286 men in all. Three days of the bloodiest battle of the war in July of 1863 and considered a turning point because for the rest of the war Lee was on the strategic defensive.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of that war and you can experience a part of history without going all the way to Gettysburg. In fact, you only have to go to Ravenna to Sunbeau Valley Farm July 27-28! You can talk to the soldiers who fought in the war, meet President Lincoln, see everyone dressed in period costume and watch a battle reenactment. Learn how deeply impacted Americans were after this battle and how their lives were forever changed.
Kids can take part in the games of the day and ladies can be part of a formal tea – bring your favorite cup and saucer! Join in on a Sunday church service that will also be presented as if you were living in 1863.
These are things children (and parents!) should know. The sights and sounds and opportunities to speak with people who have spent years studying this time period and who are a wealth of knowledge make it all an experience to remember and feel connected to the past, which adds a quality of appreciation to the present.
The folks at Sunbeau will also be selling Chinese lanterns to help support our local domestic violence shelter, Safer Futures. They will be lifting them off Saturday evening during the Grand Ball. “We encourage you and the children to stay and dance the night away! We hope to see you there!”
150th Civil War Anniversary of 1863
WAR IN SUNBEAU VALLEY – GETTYSBURG’S AFTERMATH
Saturday, JULY 27, 2013 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, JULY 28, 2013 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3229 State Route 59
Ravenna, OH 44266