Camden Central School District -

Fourth grade students at McConnellsville Elementary School recently got a closer look at some tools of the trade used during the American Revolution. Mrs. Carrie Hollis, Miss Alissa Barber, and their students were granted a hands-on exploration through the generosity of the American Battlefield Trust’s Traveling Trunk program. 

The Traveling Trunk program provides educators with the opportunity to host a trunk full of replica artifacts for students to experience in a hands-on atmosphere. Revolutionary War and Civil War items are available for exhibit, free of charge to classrooms in all 50 states.

McConnellsville was positioned to host the trunk through the efforts of school librarian Shelley Malenowski, who learned about the opportunity online last Summer. She requested it from the American Battlefield Trust in late March to align with the timing of the curriculum, and had to write a short narrative to secure grant rights for the trunk. 

Inside of the trunk was a treasure trove of period-accurate items that illustrated how the war was fought, how the framework of American society took shape, and how people of the time maintained their standard of living.

Items inside included period costumes, a powder horn, a folder of document replicas including the declaration of independence, Native American items typical of the period, and a soldier’s bag with playing cards, hardtack, and musket balls.

Nestled in the many visual aids was an embedded lesson: the chance for each student to step into a historian’s shoes and interpret what different aspects of life were like. Students also enjoyed trying on the replica period clothing.

“The kids were so engaged and curious,” Hollis said. “They loved being able to handle the contents.”

Malenowski hopes to bring the trunk back to McConnellsville in the future if demand permits, as it is a highly sought-after resource.