Alconbury students get living history presentation

  • Published
  • By Jim Mogan
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Inspector General
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  Eight grade history students at Alconbury Middle/High School recently had the opportunity to reach out and touch a recreated part of America's past as part of their study of the American Civil War, June 1.

Jim Mogan, 501st Combat Support Wing inspector general,an experienced living historian of the American Civil War period gave a presentation to the students of what camp and combat life was like for the soldiers of the American Civil War period.

To accompany his presentation, Mr. Mogan brought to class his personal collection of authentically recreated Union and Confederate uniforms, caps, military footwear, knapsacks and haversacks to show the students what soldiers and sailors wore, carried, slept, on, read and ate during the four years of conflict. He also described the origins of the many units, and the contributions of all parts of society. Being a military bugler, Mr. Mogan was also asked to sound several calls for the class, one of which, ironically, was "School Call".

The highlight of the presentation was when the students had the opportunity to try on various items of uniforms and equipment to experience what the average soldier on either side had to endure. Of special interest to the students was that American Civil War food staple, Army Bread, or more commonly known as hardtack. Being the stuff of contemporary soldier legends and stories, the students had a chance to closely examine and even try some Army Bread that Mr. Mogan baked from authentic Civil War era recipes.

Mr. Mogan stressed to the students that living historians do not "refight the war" but attempt to show the people of today how the people of the vital time in American history lived and fought the war, one that was fought on both sides not by professional soldiers but by people who came from every walk of life.