WHAT'S HAPPENING

Historic Camden offers a truly immersive educational opportunity providing a glimpse into Colonial life and the experience of living in British occupied Camden during the American Revolution. The following are examples of some of Historic Camden’s 18th century based programing. *Specific program availability is based on various factors including volunteer availability.

BLACKSMITH
Historic Camden’s blacksmith will provide a demonstration of the tools and techniques involved in the colonial forge and the history of the 18th century blacksmithing trade. Using bellows and other historically accurate tools he explains, from start to finish, the process of turning a bar of metal into objects necessary for everyday colonial life.

BLACK POWDER DEMONSTRATION
Experience the big bang of Historic Camden’s black powder demonstration! An experienced staff member will fire a Revolutionary War field cannon or an 18th century flintlock musket while students learn all about the fortifications and siege equipment used by the British and Patriot Army’s.

SPINNING & WEAVING
“What in the world is a “Niddy Noddy?” Find out from our spinners and weavers as they feature the 18th century tools and process of turning raw natural material from plants and animals, such as linen, cotton, and wool, into cloth. They will demonstrate the steps of cleaning, carding, spinning, weaving and will also discuss natural dying techniques.

INDIGO DYE
This hands-on opportunity allows students to experience the cloth dipping process and how the indigo changes in hue and takes hold on the fabric through the magic of oxidation. There is a discussion of 18th century self-sufficiency, how all items needed to be made by hand and the strong reliance in nature. Students will take home their own dyed indigo sample.

WOODWORKING
Historic Camden’s woodworker represents an 18th century “Housewright” or “Joiner.” Using 18th century tools such as augers, chisels, hand planes and drawknives the joiner will share and demonstrate how a house is turned into a home with with the addition of aesthetically pleasing carved precise mortise-and-tenon joints, profiled trim, moldings and window sashes.

GAMES
Taxation Without Representation: Why did the colonies go to war with England? This role-playing game gives students a first hand glimpse into how American colonists felt about unfair British tax laws before the Revolutionary War. Students will need to navigate assigned parts, enforcing the tax law or paying taxes, based on random rules. It provides a fun way to develop an understanding of how taxes effect our lives and why.

KERSHAW CORNWALLIS HOUSE
Students will receive a tour and brief history of the Kershaw Cornwallis House. Built by Joseph Kershaw, the father of Camden, the original mansion was used as British headquarters by General Charles Cornwallis during an eleven-month Redcoat occupation of the town. Burned down after the Civil War the house was reconstructed on the remaining foundation in 1977.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Students, educators, and chaperones are guaranteed four stations within a 30 minute rotation. Three 18th century based programs and a tour of the Kershaw Cornwallis House.

CONTACT
Please contact Educational Coordinator Elizabeth Canada with any questions or for schedule availability.
lizcanada@historiccamden.org

ARRIVAL
The earliest start time available is 9 AM
ADDRESS
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park
222 Broad Street, Camden, South Carolina 29020

PRICING
$15 per student
$10 per chaperone
Teachers are free of charge

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A picnic area with tables is available for those groups who would like to have lunch on the grounds before departing.
Historic Camden has a new climate controlled space which can be used in the event of inclement weather.