“Cool!” “Awesome!” “Epic!” What has these third graders at Phillip Simmons Elementary so excited?
![IMG_4999[22319562]](https://dihistoricalsociety.com/wp-content/gallery/media-library/history-in-a-trunk/IMG_499922319562.JPG)
They’re talking about History in a Trunk, the latest project from the Daniel Island Historical Society.
And the children’s enthusiasm is shared by their teacher, Tina McDonald. “WOW! I was so excited to receive the items for my Social Studies class. I have already used some of the items to enhance my instruction. I truly appreciate the generosity. Thank you!”
Cainhoy third grade teacher Tori Huerth and her students are just as enthusiastic. “They were so excited to share with their classmates the contents that they were given, grinning ear to ear the whole time. I know that they cannot wait to use the materials in our Social Studies lessons.”
The trunks were delivered to third grade classrooms at Phillip Simmons Elementary, Daniel Island School and Cainhoy Elementary by DIHS Community Outreach Director Lee Ann Bain.
“We decided to do this program because when kids are more involved, they retain the information better that they are studying and are excited to learn. When they can put their hands on history it makes it real for them. Not just some words or pictures in a book. It’s like a field trip without leaving the class.” Bain says South Carolina history is studied in both third and eighth grades and that DIHS is working on a similar project for the eighth grade social studies classes.
The trunks are a treasure trove for eager young minds containing a long list of items from basket making supplies to Blackbeard’s flag. There are both Native American and Colonial costumes in appropriate children’s sizes. The trunks also contain a Moultrie flag and a Native American “talking feather.” There’s a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, samples of indigo and rice and even a quill pen and ink plus lots, lots more.
Historical Society President Bill Thielfoldt says “This program is consistent with our mission which is to preserve and promote Daniel Island’s rich and unique history for the benefit of the community by sharing the island’s “story” with both visitors and residents.”