When History Comes Alive

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph my eldest daughter and her 4th grade classmateswhile they were docents at Sutter's Fort for 24 hours.  This meant they prepared for months to become living historical figures at Sutter's Fort.  They wore their finest 1800 something clothes and memorized their character's life history to share with visitors who would be touring the fort.  Some student's characters had a lot of information written about them while for others there was little more than a birth date, marriage date and possibly a mention of their death.  It's hard to imagine a time when there weren't a million photos readily available with just as many stories to go along with those photos.  

First thing that morning the kids hopped on these wagons and road them from Old Sacramento to Sutter's Fort.

While portraying their characters they also enjoyed learning how life was through candle dipping, weaving baskets, wood working, trapping, cooking and loom weaving. 

 Candle Dipping

 

End of the day results

They made Cornhust Dolls

Basket Weaving

They made a lot of the food we ate including homemade bread, cinamon rolls and cookies from scratch.

They made their own tool boxes/benches.

They Square Danced

To say this week put life in perspective might be an understatement.  At first Yaya was thrilled to wear her costume and wanted to play in it around the house.  However, after spending an entire day and night in it and feeling how heavy and hot it became as the day wore on she's changed her mind. She also realized how good we have it now and how convenient life has become.  I think the highlight was square dancing at the end of the day. Their faces and personalities came to life as the were able to let loose and enjoy themselves to the fullest.  It was time to celebrate all they had accomplished and worked so hard at for months.

This is my absolute favorite photo from the day.  I adore these smiles as the girls were running to return to the group.  I LOVE MY YAYA!