School Program

[Malcolm MacWilliam]

Just got back from doing a school program about the 77th Reg't of Foote, Montgomery's Highlanders, at a local school, about 70 fourth grade students and some parents and teachers. Fourth grade teaches Pennsylvania history and here in the Carlisle, PA area the Forbes Campaign, 1758, is often highlighted. The 77th came through this area, 1300 strong, on their way to take Fort Duquesne (Pittsburgh). Anyway, the program went very well (I've probably done this one over 100 times, good student questions!....(I do a lot of colonial programs, different clothing and accoutrements, cooking demos, etc.) I always enjoy it cause of wearing a great kilt, talking about Scottish and American Colonial history. What amazes me and I convey this to the students, is that 1300 men, dressed in kilts, carrying their military possessions and weapons went from Philadelphia, crossed the Susquehanna River at a low spot on foot, on through Carlisle, present day Shippensburg and Chambersburg, cut a road through the wilderness to the "Camp on the Loyalhanna Creek", named Fort Ligonier in 1758. Then on to Fort Duquense. It is a rich and proud history for men in kilts!!

Malcolm MacWm., 77th/42nd Highland Reg'ts, Grenadier Cos.
www.muskets-of-the-crown.org

[Nick the DSM]

wish my school could do that. Lucky kids!

[Cynthia]

Oh wow! Lucky kids -- I would have LOVED that when I was a kid Maybe you've even inspired some to get interested in history and historical clothing. Great job!

[piperdbh]

Good on ya!

I've just finished rehearsing 3 school choirs, writing 2 discipline referrals, sending an email to a mother about her daughter's nasty attitude, and (hopefully) ruining a girl's chances of being on the cheerleading squad for next year. I'm awfully mean. Now I'm surfing through today's posts here and decompressing before I go home.

But back to your post...
I've done some of those kinds of programs, and every time, whether high school or pre-school, the kids enjoy it and the teachers appreciate it. I applaud you for volunteering your time and expertise.

[McClef]

Always good to point out massed kilt happenings!

[Malcolm MacWilliam]

Good on ya!

I've just finished rehearsing 3 school choirs, writing 2 discipline referrals, sending an email to a mother about her daughter's nasty attitude, and (hopefully) ruining a girl's chances of being on the cheerleading squad for next year. I'm awfully mean. Now I'm surfing through today's posts here and decompressing before I go home.

But back to your post...
I've done some of those kinds of programs, and every time, whether high school or pre-school, the kids enjoy it and the teachers appreciate it. I applaud you for volunteering your time and expertise.

Yep, I taught elem. for 13 years and was elem. principal for 21 years. I know what you mean and commend all teachers for their hard work and putting up with such a changing world. It is very rewarding to be able to do programs like I did today.

Malcolm

[KFCarter]

Sounds like a program I would have loved to see. And, by the way, anyone who puts time in for school kids, whether as a teacher or a volunteer (kilted or not!) deserves a gold star in my book! Thanks

[Riverkilt]

If you're not way ahead of me buy/read Sons of the Mountains. Great detailed information about those times with lotsa pics.



Ron

[Malcolm MacWilliam]

Aye, Thanks Ron.....got it last year and it's a great read....lots of researched info......I recommend it to all those interested in learning more about 18th century Highlanders.

Malcolm

[McFarkus]

It's great that you can bring history alive for the kids. I can't understand people thinking history is boring. It's only the way it's often taught that is boring.