Uniforms: War Stories

Artifact for today is Uniform - stories from the soldiers.  As you know, social studies text books and encyclopedias deal out the facts as concisely as possible but don't come close to telling the rich, emotional stories of these soldiers or breathing life into the battles they fought in. One would have to read between the lines to know their fears, their thoughts, their hopes and aspirations. Storytelling allows the listeners to hear various points of view about the same subject and self evaluate, discuss and create much deeper connections to their learning. 

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I've always been fascinated and entralled with a Civil War quiet hero - Joshua Chamberlain. The movie, "Gettysburg", shared a glimpse into his life. I've included resources below so you can see how much fun it would be to create a story. He was well educated when entering the Union Army, able to speak 9 languages. He learned quickly how to lead and  be a trusted soldier and friend. There was a point where he was killed, was revived, and served for many more years.

A Young Chamberlain in the Union Army

Chamberlain in full uniform displaying all of his medals

"It was a cold night. Bitter, raw north winds swept the stark slopes. The men, heated by their energetic and exciting work, felt keenly the chilling change. Many of them had neither overcoat nor blanket, having left them with the discarded knapsacks. They roamed about to find some garment not needed by the dead. Mounted officers all lacked outer covering. This had gone back with the horses, strapped to the saddles. So we joined the uncanny quest. Necessity compels strange uses. For myself it seemed best to bestow my body between two dead men among the many left there by earlier assaults, and to draw another crosswise for a pillow out of the trampled, blood-soaked sod, pulling the flap of his coat over my face to fend off the chilling winds..."

Check out the following resources to learn more about Joshua Chamberlain:

Early Life
American Civil War Story of Joshua Chamberlain

Storytelling Resources: 
American History

Many Voices: True Tales from America's Past (National Storytelling Association) 1995.

Voices of the American Revolution by Kendall haven. 2000.

Tales as Tools: The Power of Story in the Classroom (National Storytelling Association)

Making Social Studies Come Alive! 65 Classroom-Tested Activities and Projects