A fascination with history develops as 4-H members take on the very creative and educational Living History project

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • March 10, 2013
  • 331
                        
Summary: History becomes much more than a few dull sentences in a book for 4-H members who take on the 4-H Living History project. The project allows them to explore any era they wish in creative and fun ways. MacKenzie Peffer has been a member of the Tusky Valley Farmers 4-H club for six years. During those years, the 14 year old Tuscarawas Valley Middle School student has explored multiple 4-H projects. This year, however, Peffer is combining the interests, knowledge, and expertise she has gained and is putting it all together for a very special Living History 4-H project. “I have been going to Civil War reenactments in Zoar since I was a little girl. I loved looking at people in their historical costumes and wanted to be part of it,” explained Peffer. “I have chosen to explore what life would have been like for a girl my age during that time period. I am choosing to be a 14 year old girl who would have been a Zoar Separatist.” The young 4-H member has specific goals for her project that she has developed with assistance from her grandmother, Anita Peffer, who is certified in Living History. “Part of the project is for MacKenzie to examine who she is today, what her family and schooling is like, and how that compares with a young lady in 1831,” explained her grandmother, who is delighted to see interest in living history types of projects gaining popularity with 4-Hers. “I have done sewing, quilting, and cooking as well as chicken projects in the past,” said the younger Peffer. “Living close to Zoar, I can visit places that are much the same as they were then. The Cannery still smells like vinegar and pickles, and the garden still has the same types of flowers, berries, and rhubarb as it did in the 1800s.” Peffer ‘s project includes sewing her own Zoar era costume, partaking in quilting using old time frames, and cooking in much the same way as the early settlers did as she explores this unique time and place in history. “Having taken the Dairy Food Science project and learning how to make cheese, buttermilk, and butter also fits in well,” noted Peffer, who emphatically said that “it is going to be a lot of fun.” She plans to take part in the upcoming Civil War reenactment. Ten year old Johnathan Miller of Holmes County took on the Living History project last year, along with his siblings Sarah and Elizabeth, and says he is “definitely taking it again this year.” “I am interested in learning how to cook, because I am thinking of being a chef when I grow up,” Miller explained. “I’m also interested in old times, so I combined both.” Miller immersed himself in learning about cooking in the 1800’s. “I thought it was pretty cool that they had pretty unique stoves. It took longer with no electronics. It was more complicated than what it is today. I tried to cook with an old cast iron pot we found at a thrift store. I’ll probably try to get something from the woods and try to cook more meats and take pictures of what I made, and I’d like to make turtle soup and take a picture of it.” Anita Peffer encourages any 4-Hers to call her at 330-340-4609 if they would like to know more about the project. “Our area is rich in history, and I know that the local historical sites would also love to help 4-H kids. Kids who do this could come to the sites and demonstrate, and volunteer and provide something the historical sites actually need. First they become comfortable with the topic, and then become comfortable in sharing it with others. The rewards for now and for a lifetime are huge.”


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