The life of the common
soldier during the Civil War and the role of women
during this time period are the focal points of our 19th
century presentation. Using replica firearms and
original artifacts, the students will learn what it was
like to be a soldier during the War Between the States.
Uniforms, weapons ,
medical instruments and battle flags will be some of
the items displayed in the classroom. Tactics and
strategies of both sides as well as medical procedures
for the treatment of wounds and disease will be
discussed. The importance of pivotal battles such as
Gettysburg, Vicksburg and Antietem will be covered in
the presentation. Certain military units from
Massachusetts will be highlighted, the 54th
Massachusetts ( An all black regiment) and the 28th
Massachusetts( a regiment of the Irish Brigade) .
The role of women during
the Civil War era will also be presented. The students
will learn about their sacrifices and the contribution
of women to the war effort through Sanitary Fairs held
throughout the North. A description of Victorian
mourning customs, clothing and how society expected
women to behave will be explained to the classes. The
students will also learn how the Civil War changed the
roles of women in society as well as how women viewed
themselves. The suffrage movement and the struggle of
women for equal rights have a direct link to the Civil
war.
