To the Editor:

The staff members for the 2026 Children’s Revolutionary War Celebration would like to thank the Town of DeKalb Historical Association and Town Historian, Bryan Thompson, for sponsoring this unique history experience for children. Thanks also goes to the Planning Committee of Connie Elen, Katherine Rice, Bryan Thompson and Ginger Thomas for the months spent organizing this program. 

    Appreciation also goes to the 1995 Town of DeKalb Board of Trustees and Town Supervisor for the foresight to turn over the old Meeting House building to the Historical Association for the creation of a museum and archives. The contributions of labor, supplies, and donations of artifacts which turned the building into the Old Meeting House Museum, were also vital to the Children’s Program.

Fourteen children, ages 8 -13, learned about the Colonial period through a week long, half day, immersion experience. Bryan Thompson opened and closed the Celebration dressed as Baron de Kalb, the Revolutionary War hero our town is named after.  The children also donned period costumes. Life as a Colonist in 1776 was learned through writing with quill pens, creating tableaux imitating period paintings, cutting silhouettes, and making whirligigs.  Presenters offered demonstrations and hands-on learning.  

Robin Duncan taught them to play the fife, Dayna Lancaster demonstrated the steps to turn freshly sheared wool into thread. Howard Putney explained the importance of horses to Colonists and offered horse rides. John Miller demonstrated candle dipping and period candle holders. Bryan Thompson showed the children cooking Blueberry Grunt and hops tea with a fire pit.

Paul French, Nichole Besaw, and Ginger Thomas shared information about historical events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The children all understood how the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Ride, the Continental Congresses, and the Declaration of Independence, contributed to the Colonists seeking a new government. Amalia Kanitz taught the children a Colonial country dance and Olivia Granger led the children through marching and firing muskets. Connie Elen interfaced with parents and presenters, and Program Coordinator, Kate Fenlong, oversaw the program taking care of details and keeping everyone on schedule. On the last day the children presented a program to over 30 parents and community members and received certificates as Apprentice Colonial Citizens.  

Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who helped,

Ginger Thomas, Nichole Besaw,
Kate Fenlong, Amalia Kanitz, 
Paul French, Olivia Granger