Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Office of Continuing Education invites all interested individuals seeking a unique experience to consider attending the summer 2006 living history classes. Each class is equivalent to one undergraduate or graduate credit and covers the Civil War, Wisconsin's role in the War of 1812 and Wisconsin life in the 1840s. Each event is held at historical sites or as a large reenactment.

The Battle for Prairie du Chien, a reenactment of the War of 1812, will be held in Prairie du Chien from 4 p.m. on July 14 through 4 p.m. on July 16. Taught by Michael Parks, this two-day class teaches students about the history of the War of 1812 battle for Prairie du Chien through participation and hands-on experience including information on military tactics and the civilian population of the time period. This is a unique opportunity as participants will be able to participate in the reenactment of an actual historic battle on the actual battlefield where it occurred in Wisconsin. "Haversacks and Hoopskirts: A Civil War Living History," will be held at the Lincoln-Tallman House in Beloit/Janesville on July 15 from 6-10 p.m. and July 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Designed for elementary and high school teachers looking to evolve a more thorough understanding of the Civil War, this reenactment explores how people lived in the 1860s. Meet President Lincoln, General Grant, common soldiers and civilians. Discover the lifestyle of the period by seeing a fashion show, playing Civil War era games, making old-fashioned crafts, washing clothes with a regimental laundress, seeing an infantry camp and being part of a cannon crew.

A third reenactment, "A Soldier's Life During the Civil War," will be held July 21-23 in Belle Plaine, Iowa; Aug. 4-6 in Boscobel; Aug. 11-13 in Galena Territories, Galena, Ill.; and Aug. 18-20 in Galesburg, Ill. Taught by Carolyn Richard, this course is an immersion into a soldier's life during the Civil War. Participants will enlist, be issued a uniform and are encouraged to participate in as much of camp life, entertainment and battle experience as possible. Camping will take place in period tents, meals will be prepared over a campfire and march and drill exercises will be completed with other re-enactors. There are additional opportunities to dance at the Military Ball and attend demonstrations and talks on period crafts. To encourage participation of Wisconsin residents, out of state tuition for reenactments held in Iowa and Illinois will be waived. For more information and to register for these sessions, visit www.uwplatt.edu/cont_ed or contact Rick Morgan at (608) 342-1347.

Contact: Rick Morgan, continuing education, (608) 342-1347, morganr@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Rachael Lehr, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,mailto: lehrr@uwplatt.edu