A Civil War actor demonstrates shooting a cannon.

WARSAW — Fourth graders got a taste of Indiana history by attending Back to the Days at Harrison Elementary on Friday, Sept. 30.

The rain didn’t stop kids from enjoying the hands-on-learning experience at numerous stations positioned around the property of Harrison Elementary.

Students learned about the history of Indiana through various ways as they were led in groups by teachers and assistants who helped them get to each station. The fourth graders listened and watched professional actors and volunteers portray what life has been like in Indiana over the years.

During the event, an Abe Lincoln actor gave the students a history lesson. Kids learned how people built barns. Actors taught kids about the aspects of daily life in Indiana in the past by talking about things as hygiene, hunting and pastimes.

Lead coordinator for the event, David Robertson, mentioned that Warsaw schools have not continued to hold Back to the Days recently like they have in previous years. He stated with the Indiana Bicentennial occurring this year, the schools decided they wanted to hold a Back to the Days again. Six months ago, Robertson began putting together a committee that planned the event.

It wasn’t just fourth grade students who got to participate at Back to the Days. Students from Grace College and Warsaw High School volunteered to be helpers for teachers. History majors from Grace College and high school students in intro to construction, Step One and National Honor Society also used their skills to teach kids about Indiana history.

Back to the Days consisted of some individuals who work as actors and other knowledgeable people in the community to make it a fun and informative event for kids.

Anna Jackson, a volunteer at the event, helped at an art station. She mentioned they were trying create art projects that, “Capture the essence of Indiana.” Jackson said she was helping out with the event because she wants to help with, “Anything we can do to get kids excited about history and learning.”

Robertson said this year is just the start of bringing Back to the Days back to students. He says they want to continue holding this event for years to come.