The Sixth Annual Francis Marion Living History Days will be held at Camp Bob Cooper from Feb. 23-25.
More than 20 different stations will be set up for people to observe and learn about life in the American Revolutionary period. From Hessian and German soldiers to blacksmiths, quill writers, old pots and points, tommyhawk throwing, colonial clothing, crime and punishment and much more, third graders from all over the county will literally see Revolutionary history come alive.
More than 50 presenters will come to enact the different subjects of the Revolutionary period. George and Carole Summers started the Living History Days after having done Revolutionary presentations at the local schools. They wanted to create a more engaging experience, so they founded the Francis Marion Living History Days.
And what better way than to have the children experience the day-to-day activities of the times.
“This is really a great way for children to experience history up close,” said George.
The students, teachers and parents will spend 20 minutes at 12 stations, with each re-enactor expressing his subject matter. For example, at the musket drill station, participants will have the opportunity to feel the weight of real weapons that were used during the Revolutionary War.
When it gets dark, a lantern walk through the woods surrounding Camp Bob Cooper, takes participants back to the Revolutionary time, with real-live stations set up including Jack’s Creek Militia, prisoners held in Charleston, a medical station and colonial time clothing.
The dates are chosen in late February each year near the date of Francis Marion “the Swamp Fox’s” death on Feb. 27, since his date of birth is not certain. The Summers said that they chose third grade as it is the first time that students are exposed to American history.
Students from the five Clarendon County schools, as well as Williamsburg Academy will be attending the events, with free lunch cooked by the Camp Bob Cooper staff, and funded by local sponsors. Parents are invited to accompany their third graders for the all-day events on either Thursday, Feb. 23, or Friday, Feb. 24, with an $8 fee for parents to cover lunch. Saturday, Feb. 25 is an open day for anyone to come.
The Summers would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the events: Manning Rotary Club, Rotary District 7770 Foundation, Summerton Rotary Club, Turbeville Ruritan Club, and Dorothy and Wright Turbeville.
For more information on Francis Marion Living History Days, contact George or Carole Summers at 478-2645 or log onto www.francismarioncountry.com.
