Lane County Hands-On History Travelling Road Show and Trunk Program
This unique program allows students to learn firsthand from historical interpreters
clad in period clothing. They visit classrooms with travelling trunks filled
with historical artifacts of the Civil War, pioneers,
and the Oregon Trail. They share information with an emphasis on "hands-on" education.
The Hands-On History Roadshow is available during the winter season (Nov-March). For scheduling details, contact the Education Coordinator, at the Lane County Historical Society and Museum (541) 682-4242 or go to their Web site.
Available Programs
Westward Migration/Oregon Trail: Skinner's Travel to Oregon
History will come alive as students journey back to the year 1847,
just after Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Skinner arrived and set up their home in the
Willamette Valley. Learn from Mr. and Mrs. Skinner about life on the trail,
crossing the Great Plains, listen to stories of the perils they faced along
the way, as well as their joy in first seeing the beautiful Willamette Valley!
A teacher packet is provided which includes information on the Oregon Trail,
personal history of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner, a vocabulary list, activities and
lesson plan. This program is geared toward grades 2-12.
Civil War: Siege of Vicksburg
Mississippi 1863. Hear the story of Pvt. Louis Renninger,
Private in the Union Army, and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for
heroism at the battle of Vicksburg. Learn what daily life was like for a
Civil War soldier, try on the gear, see and touch artifacts actually used
in the Civil War.
Learn about the Confederate side of the war. "July 4, 1863; Vicksburg,
Mississippi has just fallen into Union hands!" Meet Mrs. Mary Ann Webster
Loughborough. Wife of Confederate Captain James Loughborough, she lived under
siege for two months in a cave and shares from her book about the experience.
This program is geared toward grades 5-12.
Lewis and Clark
Follow Sacagawea and Private Francios La Bische as they travel
with the Corps of Discovery in search of the Northwest Passage. This program
is geared toward grades 3-12.
Check Out a Trunk for Your Classroom
Trunks are available to check out at the Lane County Historical Museum:
Each trunk contains authentic and replicated items, as well as maps, illustrations
and photos, all of which teachers and students are encouraged to handle.
The three trunk themes are Westward Migration, Civil War, and America's Emergence as a World Power.
An accompanying preview guide and bibliography are available for each trunk. The trunks are large (33" x 23" x 15") and weigh approximately 55 pounds. A vehicle with a large trunk or compartment will be necessary for transport. Two people should be used to load and unload trunk from a vehicle, otherwise it can be wheeled by one person like airport luggage
Interpreters
Scott Dano: Scott is in character as Eugene Skinner for the Westward Migration Presentation, as Pvt. Louis Renninger for the Civil War Presentation, and as Pvt. Francois La Bische for the Lewis and Clark presentation.
Nancy Gowins: Nancy is in character as Mary Skinner for the Westward Migration Presentation, as Mrs. Mary Ann Webster Loughborough for the Civil War Presentation, and as Sacagawea for the Lewis and Clark presentation.
Nathan Burke: Nathan is in character as Eugene Skinner for the Westward Migration Presentation, as Pvt. Louis Renninger for the Civil War Presentation, and as Pvt. Shannon for the Lewis and Clark presentation.