Students Enjoy Learning About History With Interactive Parks Program

Jim Evans portrays a British Redcoat at Mackinac Island Public School January 16. He is assisted by seventh grade student Leo Horn. Students were asked to name the animal pelt.

Mackinac Island Public School was invaded January 16 by a British Redcoat and French voyageur. The recreators are with the "Historic Mackinac on Tour" program by Mackinac State Historic Parks, and through music, dance, costumes, skits, and props, the two men offered a glimpse into 18th-century life in the Straits area to elementary school students.

"We make history come alive," said presenter Jim Evans. "It's a different way of teaching students than just using a textbook."

Mr. Evans, who plays a pesky British Redcoat during presentations, is also the lead interpreter at Colonial Michilimackinac. He was joined by Dennis Havlena, the French voyageur.

Mr. Havlena created the program in 1989 and has been with Mackinac State Historic Parks for more than 28 years, many of them as the lead interpreter at Fort Mackinac.

Presenting history through participation, said Mr. Havlena, gives students a sense of feel for the times.

Volunteers Kyle Shunk (left) and Keely Johnson dress in period clothing as Jim Evans explains to students the reason for each piece.

"It's a heightened sense of learning," he said. "The kids are thinking they'll get a history lecture, but we come in with a trunk full of fiddles, furs, bagpipes, clothing to dress up in, flint and steel to light fires, and we expose them to one thing after another. You can't find a wandering eye among them."

The students traded a bale of fur for a voyageur coat, dressed in period clothing, learned how to make fire with flint and steel, and participated in the paddle dance, with pairs skipping down a promenade line.

Mr. Havlena played a jaw harp to demonstrate how current songs have their roots in early music of the region. He began by playing a song from the mid-1700s called "The Rose Tree." By the mid- 1800s, the tempo was increased and the song was renamed to "Turkey in the Straw." By 2008, the song had evolved into two versions that are known today as "Do Your Ears Hang Low," featured on the popular children's program Barney and Friends, and a recent rap song, "Chain Hang Low" by Jibbs.

Preschool students (from left) Dylan Szabo and Harrison Myers watch the program and share friendship.

"It's the same song as 'The Rose Tree,'" Mr. Havlena said. "It's the same melody. I present the musical time bridge to make the connection between past and present. I relate something they know well to something they don't recognize, and that connection is made."

The hour-long program concluded with students gathering outside on the playground to watch Mr. Havlena load and fire a shouldermounted cannon.

"Historic Mackinac on Tour" is part of the Mackinac State Historic Parks education outreach program that offers hands-on learning to students across the state. It is funded through Mackinac Associates, the friends group that supports the park.

Clara Chambers and Jacob Chambers take a turn at the paddle dance.