History Day has become a welcome annual event in the EMS community, a notable day for exposing students and staff to historic lifestyles. The first two History Days focused on the 1860s and 1950s, respectively, but this year the focus was on the creation of the new United States during the years 1750-1790.
Inspiration for focusing on this time period came from the influence of sixth grade history teacher, Mrs. Susan Melendez. Her extended family annually helps to recreate and re-enact the Burning of Fort Seybert, which originally took place in 1758. The burning of the recreated fort is part of the annual Treasure Mountain Festival in West Virginia.
EMS students in grades six through twelve traveled by bus to Fort Seybert, WV on September 16, the day prior to the annual re-enactment. An undertaking of this size for History Day had not been attempted before. In previous years the student body had remained on campus, so the mere prospect of traveling elsewhere carried the charm and challenge of new adventures.
At the fort site, the students were divided into groups under the leadership of a senior or faculty member and sent out to visit 19 different stations and exhibits that surrounded the fort. These stations allowed students to learn about many aspects of frontier and colonial life. Many stations introduced tools and other instruments of colonial time, such as proper use of the scythe under the tutelage of EMS science teacher Mr. Good, starting a fire from flint and steel under Mr. Kennison, and traditional music. Other stations focused on period-accurate technology from the 1750s, such as a cannon loading and firing simulation and a blacksmith shop that provided a look into traditional forging and smithing techniques.
We extend sincere thanks to Mrs. Susan Melendez and her family for making the 2016 History Day a success. We also look forward to what EMS faculty will plan for students next fall.
