Living history in South Carolina classrooms: Explorations and possibilities

There are a number of living history events conducted annually in South Carolina. In Rock Hill, third graders spend a day in a one-room schoolhouse at Brattonsville. In Spartanburg, Nancy Smith recreates characters from the past and conducts a Civil War encampment on the grounds of Dorman High School. In Columbia, biographical living history drama portrays the lives of educators from South Carolina's past. How are living history events like these related to the instructional programs provided to South Carolina's school age children (grades K--12)?;This study examined the role of the student during the living history event, the ability of the activity to provide opportunities for curricular integration, teachers' perceptions of the benefits of living history activity, and students' perceptions of these benefits as well. It also attempted to measure these benefits against the proposals of national commissions charged with providing curricular recommendations for social studies education.;Through classroom observations, interviews, focus groups, surveys, document review and researcher generated materials, qualitative information from each living history case study was obtained. Through careful analysis of this information, answers were formulated to address the major research questions. Across the three case studies, the data strongly suggest that living history activities promote active student participation, provide opportunities for students to develop greater empathy and appreciation for the challenges their ancestors faced, foster the process of accepting diversity, and promote the development of critical thinking skills that are essential for democratic participation. Furthermore, living history activities incorporate a variety of subject areas and allow for curricular integration. During living history events students assume a more active role in the learning process and express appreciation for the opportunity to participate in living history activities. Teachers who participate in living history events are overwhelmingly positive about the benefits for themselves and their students.