Students at Simpson Elementary had the opportunity to travel back to the 1800’s this week as they had a visit from Stonewall Jackson himself.  The program is part of the History Alive program through the West Virginia Humanities Council and the school’s PTA sponsors two historical character appearances each year.

 

“This is an amazing experience for the kids to hear history first hand from Jackson’s perspective,” said organizer Michele Skaggs.  “The character is portrayed by Doug Riley of Tunnelton and he stays in character for the first part of the presentation and answers questions in character as well.  For the second part of the presentation, he answers questions as himself and ignites a passion for learning about history.”

 

Jackson was born right here in Harrison County and that provides a unique relevance to the impact he has made on history.  He is regarded by experts as a tactical genius and a relentless battlefield commander of unsurpassed ability.  The men who served under Jackson were fiercely loyal his legacy is celebrated throughout the state through plays, musicals, and historical landmarks.

 

“We decided on Stonewall Jackson as one of our characters this year because the students learned so much from him during previous visits,” said Principal Lori Reid.  “The interactive approach allows students to virtually travel back in time to interview a very significant historical figure and it’s a lesson they tend to remember.”

 

The West Virginia Humanities Council provides several other historical characters for presentations around the state.  “In the past, we have had Babe Ruth, Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman at the school.  It’s a wonderful learning experience and one the students get genuinely excited about,” said Reid.