Oklahoma Students Relive American History Through 'Revolutionary Day'

Rick Wells, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Most of us learned about American history the same old way: read a book, take a test.

But some fortunate fifth graders from nine Northeast Oklahoma schools got a chance to learn about the birth of our country from some of the folks who lived it, or the next best thing.

Stephen Smith was dressed Ben Franklin, telling students about his life and answering their questions. Meanwhile, another group of students watched a presentation by the Oklahoma Lyric Theater of the musical 1776, about the writing of the declaration of Independence.

All of it was part of Revolutionary Day on the Hill.

Rick Wells, News On 6: "To present history in a different way?"
Dessa Weber and Beth Howard, Teachers: "To immerse students in it."

Teachers Dessa Weber and Beth Howard:  got a grant from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence to go to Colonial Williamsburg they discovered a new way to get kids excited about history.

William Barker played the role of Thomas Jefferson. Natalie Fairchild, who is Nellie Custis, George Washington's granddaughter, came here from Mount Vernon. They talked about life in colonial America and answered student questions.

The students loved it. Most were dressed in period costumes too and know what baseball pants and sock are good subs for knee britches and stockings.

For the grand finale, the students rapped the Bill of Rights.

Revolutionary Days is available to schools in Northeast Oklahoma. Thursday was the second presentation in Tulsa.