Park Rangers Present the Following Programs:

Angels of the Battlefield

During this role-playing activity students will re-create the aftermath of the Battle of Antietam; dramatizing medical care, field hospitals, and Clara Barton's role as a nurse. Students will discuss how they might feel before and during the battle, and about the care they received afterwards. Group size: 20 - 50 students. Time: 30 minutes. Recommended for grades 4-5.

Cannoneers to Your Posts

Students will participate in a Civil War artillery drill with artillery implements using one of the park's cannons. (No actual firing of the cannon). In case of inclement weather, this program cannot be moved inside. Group size: Up to 40 students. Time: 30 minutes. Grades 4-5.

Civil War Soldier Program

A park ranger will discuss the life and times of a typical Civil War soldier; using clothing, leather gear and other soldier items. Group size: Up to 50 students. Time: 30 minutes. Recommended for grades K-5.

Flags that Talk

Students will be divided into "signal stations," with each station comprising three or four students. Using signal flags and cipher discs, student will send and receive messages in the same way as Civil War armies. Group size: Up to 50 students. Time: 30 minutes. Recommended for grades 4-5. Signal Corps Lesson Plan, (pdf 1.7 mb., 11 pages).

Map to the Past

Students will work with the park ranger to assemble a large interactive map of the battlefield. They will explore events on a time line and demonstrate how the battlefield map changed and remained the same from historic times to the present by adding and removing components (including monuments, buildings, and bridges) on the map. Afterwards the group will discuss the map and the future landscape of the battlefield, including how their actions today will help change or preserve the battlefield in the future. Group Size: Up to 20 students. Time: 30 minutes. Recommended for grades 2-3.