Thanks to a generous grant from the Troy City Schools Education Foundation, 91 Charles Henderson Middle School (CHMS) seventh graders were able to experience colonial America through a unique, hands-on field trip to American Village on Friday, October 14th.

Students danced traditional colonial dances, loaded and shot muskets (using their imaginations, of course), passed along secret messages to Paul Revere, amputated limbs and bandaged battle wounds and learned how the colonies chose representatives for each state.

Because of the dedicated American Village actors, students were immersed in the time period and experienced colonial culture up close and personal.

Students Sherrie Barr and DJ Wheeler agreed that their favorite part of the trip was taking part in one of the revolutionists’ secret meetings.

“I was given a secret letter and was told to give it to Paul Revere” said Wheeler.

Upon arrival, the students were broken up into two groups, Virginia and Massachusetts, and each group traveled to different locations across the grounds.

Each location engaged students in it’s own unique way and students were taught by a variety of colonial characters.

The day concluded with a picnic lunch on the grounds and free time for students to visit the American Village museum, Oval Office replica, and gift shop.

Hanna Broderway, a student who attended the trip last year, shared the students’ enthusiasm for the event. “Even as an eighth grader, I still remember this trip and all the things it taught me.”

Amanda Nolin and Tori Stone, CHMS seventh Grade Social Studies teachers, planned and executed the trip and look forward to taking next year’s group of seventh grade students.