LMM 8th Grade History Program

8th Grade American History

Field Trip to Old North Bridge, Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord, MA

On October 2, 2007, the Lincoln Company of Minute Men, in partnership with Minute Man National Historical Park, members of His Majesty's Tenth Regiment of Foot, American Contingent, and members of His Majesty's First Foot Guards presented a three hour program at the North Bridge to 8th graders from a local public school. In close cooperation with history teachers, curriculum coordinators, and administrators from a local school, the Lincoln Minute Men and partners provided students with the half-day program. Research materials and primary sources for students are offered on the web. See LMM 8th Grade Research Site.

Field Trip Part 1: Town Meeting: Tory vs Whig

Seated next to the Old North Bridge, the 8th graders played out America's most fundamental principles of free speech and free assembly. Students were asked to debate, in format similar to 18th century New England town meetings, whether armed insurrection was necessary in order to secure their rights as British subjects in America. Coaches and moderators, including some menacing redcoats and pesky colonials, were present to manage the spirited debate and the fun. Background material , including primary sources, for the underlying debate, with supporting arguments, are available at LMM 8th Grade Research Site.

Field Trip Part 2: So...What Happened at this Bridge on April 19?

Park Rangers from Minute Man National Historical Park and Lincoln Minute Men briefed students about the events of the morning of April 19. The park rangers provided a glimpse of the emotion, the confusion, and facts behind the events, while challenging the students to consider, then choose among, the options available to the minute men at the North Bridge that morning. For more information, see Minute Man National Historical Park Curriculum for Teachers.

Field Trip Part 3: Military exercise: Hey, shouldn't we practice a little?

Park rangers and safety staff, members of Lincoln Minute Men, His Majesty's Tenth Regiment of Foot, and His Majesty's First Foot Guards demonstrated use of the musket, drilled the students in 18th century manual of arms, military discipline, use of fifes and drums in communication, and marched in formations similar to those used on April 19, 1775.

For more information regarding the educational programs of the Lincoln Minute Men, or to inquire about having the Lincoln Minute Men visit your school, please send email to education@lincolnminutemen.org