Battle of Aiken
School Day Information
(The letter below the photos went out to educators.)
Battle of Aiken
Living History School Day
P. O. Box 1863
Aiken, SC 29802
www.battleofaiken.org
Dear Principal and Faculty,
We are pleased to announce the 18th Anniversary of The Battle of Aiken Living History School Field Trip Day. This year it will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Battle of Aiken Confederate Memorial Park. This very popular, award winning field trip is possibly the largest in South Carolina. Attendance in past years has been nearly 4,000 children of all age groups. Schools from as far away as 100 miles came to be a part of the program. Our Living History Program has been the past recipient of the SCPRT & Governor’s State Award and the Dr. James Butler National History Award.
Once again, thanks to our generous sponsors and hard working volunteers, this school day program will be presented at no cost to the school or children and no tickets or admission fees will be charged on Friday. We understand how hard the economy has hit our educational programs and thus have worked to ensure that we provide this great educational opportunity for our leaders of tomorrow with minimal costs to you. In addition, every student that attends the school day will receive a wrist band that will allow him/her to return free of charge for the weekend. This is being done to allow them to see events that they may miss on the Friday School Day.
This year marks the 147th Anniversary of Sherman’s March. In recognition of this commemorative date, we will have special displays and programs. Children may explore an authentic period soldier’s campsite; see a Sutler (period merchant’s) campsite; see how a cannon is fired; hear the role of women in the war; see period women's clothing; see how cavalry and horses were used; hear historic music; see19th century woodworking and blacksmith crafts; and look into the life of Confederate and Union soldiers. These exhibits will be placed at various locations within the Memorial Park. Classes will be allowed to rotate at their own pace between the stations. At approximately 12:00 p.m. we plan to have a small skirmish recreated by the troops (this is based on availability of troops to perform the skirmish scenario). All of this is definitely something you and the students will not want to miss!
The site will be open between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with no minimum or maximum time requirement. Last year, a majority of the students spent five hours visiting us. Modern Food Vendors will sell hamburgers, hotdogs, and drinks. Old South Cookery will have old fashioned Fry Bread. However, students may bring their own lunch. Some souvenir items will be available as well. Not all of the Period Sutlers will be open for business and we ask that the students not attempt to enter any of the tents (Sutlers or Campers) that are closed. Should someone encounter a problem please bring it to the attention of a primary staff member so that we may address the problem at once.
Students are welcome and even encouraged to bring cameras. Warm clothing, pants, hat, and comfortable, covered walking shoes are recommended. Even with optimum weather conditions, a windbreaker at minimum is recommended.
Please distribute this letter and the attached registration form to all faculty members. To register a class, please mail the completed registration form to the letterhead address or do so online. We will contact you via e-mail prior to the School Day with any updated information. Please view the school section on our web site at http//:www.battleofaiken.org for additional information, a history of the battle, and a map to the battle site. A status and weather update will be posted at 803-642-2500 on Friday, February 24 from 7 A.M. to 10 A.M. for your convenience. This phone number is not available to take messages.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
The Battle of Aiken Committee
