During Living History Day, Holley students Viktoria Emery (left) and Sierra Apicella check out Civil War artifacts with Joel Johnstone, a volunteer from the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry Historical Club. Provided photoHolley Elementary School teamed up with the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry Historical Club, Inc. to create Living History Day for the fourth and fifth grade classes. Eight stations were set up at the Holley Firemen’s Field to demonstrate activities that took place during the time period from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. The stations included women at war, spinning and weaving, Civil War medicine, the Civil War soldier, weaponry of war, blacksmithing, mountain men, and the museum experience.
Teacher’s Aide Mattie Zarpentine, a member of the 44th NY Volunteer Infantry Historical Club, organized the event so students could see history come alive with authentic demonstrations, artifacts and period costumes. “Our objectives include commemorating the heroism and sacrifice of all, North and South, who fought in the American Civil War and promoting education about the history of the Civil War,” she said. This is the second year for the event, which was made possible with help from volunteers and the funds donated by the 44th NY Volunteer Infantry Historical Club.
