Last week, fourth-grade students at SAR Academy traveled back in time as they participated in Hands-On History Day. The event was the culmination of a month-long study of early American life, bringing history to life through music, crafts and interactive workshops.

The morning began with a special performance in the school gym, where students proudly marched in and sang the classic folk tune, “When I First Came To This Land.” Parents and special guests looked on as the young historians showcased their knowledge and passion for the past.

Following the performance, students shared their meticulously crafted scrapbooks, each filled with insights and illustrations reflecting their studies of the 17th and 18th centuries. The scrapbooks demonstrated their growing appreciation for the challenges and daily life of early American settlers.

The highlight of the day came when students, along with family members, rolled up their sleeves for hands-on activities that transported them straight into the past. From churning butter and grinding spices to writing with a quill pen and ink, the children experienced firsthand the tasks that once defined daily life. Other engaging activities included basket weaving, making a whirligig toy and even pickling cucumbers.

The interactive event not only deepened the students’ understanding of early American life but also left a lasting impression on their journey as young historians.