The Audrain County Historical Society’s Museum grounds were abuzz with activity last week during “A Bold New World” History Camp held June 5-9. The turn of the 19th to 20th century themed camp was enjoyed by 64 campers with the help of 50 enthusiastic volunteers. This year was the 19th year for the annual camp held each summer. Cara Miller, History Camp Director states “We have an army of amazing volunteers that give of their time and energy to help make History Camp a success each year! We couldn’t do it without them!”

The 64 campers were divided into 4 groups of 16 campers. The four groups were “Teddy’s Rough Riders” led by Lindsey Yancey, Lucita Gleeson, and Ian Zind; “Edison’s Electrics” led by Kathy Sewell, Katie Gooch and Guy Fairchild; “General Pershing’s Doughboys” led by Brenda Haden, Amelia Denham and Daniel Hoff; and “Wright Brothers Flyers” led by Leslie Nichols, Madeline Williams and Jaden Hatfield.

Each day of History Camp, the campers actively learned through Living History, Science, Cooking, Arts & Crafts, Music, Recreation and Guest Educators. Living History was led by Paul Baum, assisted by Cooper Rowe, Karson Rowe, Russell Lovelace and Deb Trabue. The campers were enthralled by the storytelling of Mr. Baum and Mr. Lovelace while learning about World War I, the innovations that made a difference, and the Titanic.

Science was led by Brad Rothermich, assisted by Laura Davidson, Declan Gleeson, Kael Smith and Kinser Groves. The Wright Brothers airplane, the Titanic, Thomas Edison and lightbulbs, an Ellis Island simulation, and the Klondike Gold Rush were some of the topics covered during Science.

Cooking was led by Lori Ray, assisted by Kerry Dubbert, Sue Fennewald, Amy Fisher, Carol Gallaher, Julie Huffman, Moira Niemeier, Nancy Oliver, Valine Perll, Kristen Rowe, Carla Tanzey and Scottie Smith. Campers learned about cutting, prepping, and cooking over an open fire to make oatmeal with dehydrated milk, pancakes, chicken noodle soup, pizza, creamed chip beef with English muffins, frankfurters, No-bake Cornflake cookies, and American Goulash. Keeping the campfires burning were Ron Ray and Howard Tanzey.

Arts & Crafts was led by Barb Wilson, assisted by Tina Schmeling, Linda Woods, Sue Ann Keith, Madi Heckman and Jayde Dodd. Campers learned about and created Tiffany Glass/stained glass, Flanders Field/poppies, Impressionism and Pointillism/painting, Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders/teddy bears.

Campers ended their day with a Guest Educator session. Guest Educators were Jim Brunner and Curt Jackson that brought their Model A Ford cars and Ayanna Shivers that taught about Women’s Suffrage. The campers walked to Simmons Stables where Mary White Littrell, Bobette Wilson and Tom Usnick gave a tour of the stables and “Cowboy” from William Woods University made a surprise appearance.

Another History Camp volunteer is ACHS staff member Janice Robison. Miller states, “Janice works behind the scene supporting the History Camp volunteers to ensure a great week! She is a jewel!” The 2024 History Camp will be the 20th year of History Camp! The theme, ideas, and activities are already being discussed and planned. Stay tuned for the theme announcement and registration dates.