School Is A Battlefield

 I can tell you-and you can see, the correct undergarments did nothing to "perk the girls up".

Yesterday our homeschool classroom was a Civil War reenactment.   In the past few months we have  enjoyed researching and creating ensembles to wear to a Titanic tea, King Tut exhibit and a Sherlock Holmes society event.  The girls were very disappointed we decided to go last minute, which left no time to get their outfits together.

Do I feel a little guilty because I had one ready to wear?  Kinda.  

This dress also doubles for a pioneer-simply add a bonnet!

  When I think about the U.S. Civil War the first images to my mind are those of Southern Belles- and I must admit, that just isn't me.  Looking through images it is hard to get a good grasp on what the average everyday mama, like myself, would have worn- because having a photograph made was a luxury only the affluent could afford.  I finally found a character type that suited me in the refugee women.  These were women who lost their home and cities to the war.  Many took their children, along with whatever they could carry, and tried to follow alongside their husband's regiment. 

http://www.archives.gov/research/military/civil-war/photos/

Of course I did meet up with a couple of my favorite Southern Belles, my two nieces Amy and Solanah.   They looked amazing!  Maybe I would have been their laundress?

Anyway, enough about the clothing.  If you homeschool, or just want to expose your children to more history, take them to a reenactment!  Ours was in Oregon, which proves you do not have to be in a battle state to find one locally.

P.S. My apologies for the Instagram pics, my camera lost it's battery!

For beautiful picture go here.