WESTFIELD — The Westfield Athenaeum Children’s Library launched its series of programs about the Revolutionary War on the 250th anniversary on Thursday with a unique, hands-on experience on the lawn.
Children’s librarian Mary Hoth previously told The Westfield News the series will seek to go beyond what can be done in the classroom to bring history to life. In this spirit, the kickoff event focused on Henry Knox’s Noble Artillery Train and featured Owen Lourenzo and his trained oxen.
Subsequent events in February through May will be held inside the children’s library and geared for children ages 8-12.
On Feb. 11, the series will talk about the life of a soldier in Revolutionary times. Reenactor Jay Blain will portray an American soldier in the Revolutionary War, and Dennis Picard will talk about what life was like for a Hessian soldier. Hoth said Picard has been “a huge help” in forming the series.
On March 11, Doug Quigley will talk about the music of Revolutionary times, in particular the fife and drum, which he will play. Hoth said the kids may have an opportunity to play along on the drums themselves.
In April, the series will talk about what life was like at home in Westfield during the Revolutionary War, and planning for the final program in May is currently underway.
Hoth said Westfield Athenaeum’s local history librarian Heaven Pajala and archivist Max Vivacqua are also involved in planning the series.
All of the events are free to attendees. To learn more, go to westath.org.