Welcome!

Welcome to Hands-on History, where the field trip comes to you. Hands-on History is available for historic presentations to students, Scouts, Historical Societies, or any group with an interest in Colonial era history.

News

Upcoming Appearance

Hands-on History will be presenting at the Orion Township Public Library on Saturday, May 3rd, at 10:30 am.

If you’re a teacher, scout leader, or member of a homeschool group, this would be a great time to see Hands-on History in action before you book us to visit your classroom or meeting.

Movie Review

I was with my son in the video store the other day and I noticed something intriguing on the shelves in the Family section. It was Felicity: an American Girl Story.

If you’re not familiar with the American Girl phenomenon, you’re probably not a librarian, teacher, or parent. The series of books (and expensive dolls, outfits and accessories for both doll and owner) examines notable eras in American history through the eyes of a fictional girl of the time. Felicity is set in Williamsburg, Virginia in the year 1775.

For whatever reason, most fiction set during the Revolutionary era is meant to be appealing to boys (think Johnny Tremain, The Patriot). This is the first film about the era with a female protagonist that I’d seen, and I thought, “Hey, this is wonderful! Something about the Revolution that might make the period interesting for the girls! I wonder if it’s any good?” So I added it to the stack of videos we were renting and brought it home in case any teachers out there might want the benefit of my opinion. Here’s what I think.
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Archives: April 2009 February 2009 April 2008 December 2007 November 2007 September 2007 June 2007 May 2007 Search:	Welcome! Welcome to Hands-on History, where the field trip comes to you. Hands-on History is available for historic presentations to students, Scouts, Historical Societies, or any group with an interest in Colonial era history. News Upcoming Appearance Hands-on History will be presenting at the Orion Township Public Library on Saturday, May 3rd, at 10:30 am. If you’re a teacher, scout leader, or member of a homeschool group, this would be a great time to see Hands-on History in action before you book us to visit your classroom or meeting. Movie Review I was with my son in the video store the other day and I noticed something intriguing on the shelves in the Family section. It was Felicity: an American Girl Story. If you’re not familiar with the American Girl phenomenon, you’re probably not a librarian, teacher, or parent. The series of books (and expensive dolls, outfits and accessories for both doll and owner) examines notable eras in American history through the eyes of a fictional girl of the time. Felicity is set in Williamsburg, Virginia in the year 1775. For whatever reason, most fiction set during the Revolutionary era is meant to be appealing to boys (think Johnny Tremain, The Patriot). This is the first film about the era with a female protagonist that I’d seen, and I thought, “Hey, this is wonderful! Something about the Revolution that might make the period interesting for the girls! I wonder if it’s any good?” So I added it to the stack of videos we were renting and brought it home in case any teachers out there might want the benefit of my opinion. Here’s what I think. (more…)