Local park provides historical experience

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The pioneer days are being showcased at Fowler Park this summer.

The unique experience provides hands-on learning about life in the early 1800s. It covers everything from chores and house work all the way to the classroom. Kendra Bailey is the caretaker of the schoolhouse cabin, and she says it is just as fun to educate people.

“We tell people all about what school was like in the early 1800s,” she said. “We give chances for hands-on activities like writing with quill pen and ink, writing with chalk on lap slates, and playing some really fun recess games like the game of graces or cup and ball.”

People of all ages come to visit the village, but in today’s age of technology, it is especially important to get the youth out there and keep the traditions going. Bailey added that it gives an opportunity for families to get some fresh air and learn something.

“The biggest thing I see is curiosity,” she said. “Generally in kids especially but also in their parents and a real eagerness to know what life is like, which makes me as a person with a history background very happy to know that kids especially are actively wanting to learn and find out more about history in general and local history especially.”

Visitors can stop by and see the village any time, but there will also be events coming up at the village to teach specific skills used in the time period.

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