By Emma Barhydt
Every year, Saxe Middle School steps back in time to the days of the American Revolution with its eagerly anticipated Colonial Day. “During this exciting day, fifth-graders have the opportunity to experience the life of a colonist in early America,” explains Jennifer Berry who oversaw this year’s event. This annual event not only serves as a significant educational experience but also as a highlight for the New Canaan Public School (NCPS) community, offering an immersive glimpse into America’s foundational history. Colonial Day brings the American Revolution to life, offering fifth graders and their families a tangible connection to the past.
This year’s event, held on April 5th, helped students engage with various aspects of colonial life. From exploring 18th-century clothing, experiencing the life of a soldier, to engaging with colonial trades and politics. The event draws students, parents, and educators into a day-long journey through colonial America and engages them directly with history in a way that textbooks alone cannot provide.
“Students have been learning about the colonial period in their social studies classes and this learning comes to life as they visit stations of varying topics,” notes Berry. These include 18th-century clothing, where students can see and touch replicas of the period’s garments; the life of a soldier, which explores the daily routines and challenges faced by colonial militia; and an in-depth look at colonial trades and politics, providing insights into the economic and social frameworks of the time.
One of the most engaging activities is the tavern debate, held in the school auditorium. Here, actors representing both Patriot and Loyalist viewpoints stage a lively debate, drawing students into the ideological conflicts that fueled the American Revolution. This interactive session encourages students to participate actively, with chanting and playful taunting, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical debates that shaped the nation.
While Colonial Day is an annual tradition, each year offers unique elements that make the event fresh and exciting. This year, the addition of a cannon to the day’s demonstrations added a new level of authenticity and spectacle, thrilling students and adults alike.
The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the dramatic musket demonstration on the main field, where members of the Fifth Connecticut Regiment and local volunteers, using light-load paper cartridges for safety, executed a series of precise maneuvers and a firing sequence that captivated the audience, “they ‘charge’ some of the students with their bayonets drawn and the crowd goes wild when they fire their muskets,“ says Berry.
Scheduled at 3:15 PM, this demonstration served as a fitting finale to a day filled with learning and excitement. “One student left the musket demonstration saying, ‘that is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen’,” recalls Berry.
Organizing such a complex event requires extensive collaboration and planning. Jennifer Berry, the event’s coordinator, works closely with the Fifth Connecticut Regiment, particularly with Tom Castrovinci, to plan the educational content and logistics. Local residents Patricia Oxman and George Baker also play crucial roles, running various educational stations and bringing additional expertise to the event.
Laura Catherwood’s coordination with the Parent-Teacher Council to provide lunch for the volunteers and her efforts in organizing parent volunteers are indispensable. The smooth operation of the day also relies on the support of the school’s administration, particularly Assistant Principal Sarah Granite, and the vigilance of School Resource Officers Blank and Gibson.
The feedback from attendees, participants, and the broader NCPS community has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming the importance of Colonial Day in the school’s academic calendar. The event not only educates but also unites the community, with parents and local residents actively participating and supporting the day’s activities.
Colonial Day at Saxe Middle School not only serves as an educational tool but also as a vital community-building event. It underscores the importance of understanding historical foundations while fostering a sense of pride and excitement about history among young learners. As the community looks forward to next year’s event, the echoes of muskets and the spirit of the revolution continue to inspire and educate the students of Saxe Middle School.
