Are you an aspiring historian that wishes to learn about the past? Have you ever wanted to use that knowledge to create something timeless? Then look no further than the new History in the Making Program at La Plata Branch Library!
Every month, we will explore a new time period and learn a bit of history of what it was like to live in that era. This won’t be your run-of-the-mill history lesson. It will be a completely interactive experience around a campfire, with your storyteller being pulled from time to explain history from their perspective. Have you ever wondered what it was like to live as a soldier in Ancient Rome? Ask the hardened centurion about it! Are you curious about the shadowy world of espionage in Feudal Japan? Look no further than our resident ninja!
When you’re done hearing from our guest speaker, join them as they give you a taste of life in their era by participating in an activity regarding the topic you learned about. Whether you want to be an Olympic champion of Ancient Greece, or create a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, there’s something for everyone!
The program begins in March, with the series continuing each consecutive month. Below are some of the topics we will cover until June. You can find more information about each of the programs and register on our Event Calendar!
March 15th – History in the Making: The Ninth Legion
The Roman Legion was a powerful military force during the rise of the Roman Empire, winning decisive battles and spreading the influence of Rome throughout the world. Learn more about the history and mystery surrounding the lost Ninth Legion, which disappeared from history in the early 120’s C.E. Then, join your fellow legionnaires and recreate the famous shield of the Legion under the banner of the New Legio IX Hispana as you protect yourselves as a team in the testudo (“tortoise”) formation!
April 19th – History in the Making: Shinobi of the Sengoku Jidai
While shinobi (or ninja, as they are known in much of Western culture) have risen to legend as shadow warriors capable of inhuman feats of acrobatics and combat, the real shinobi of the Sengoku Jidai, or Warring States Period, in Japan were more akin to modern-day spies and mercenaries. While many legends surround their black outfits, real shinobi often blended into their environment in plain sight through the use of everyday disguises. Learn more about the history of espionage in Feudal Japan, then join your fellow shinobi recruits as you create your own disguises and gather information on your target. Remember: all is not what it seems…
May 17th – History in the Making: Champions of Greece
The origins of the modern Olympics date back several millennia to the first games in Ancient Greece. From wrestling to the pentathlon, athletes from the various kingdoms and city-states of Greece participated in various events for glory and honor. Learn more about the history of the games and the birth of the Olympic flame, then join your fellow athletes as you participate in one of the greatest games of the Olympics: the discus throw. Which of you will take home the ultimate prize and bring glory and honor to your home?
June 21st – History in the Making: Reviving the Renaissance
From the 15th to the 16th centuries, the Renaissance flourished in Italy and revived interest in the study of Classical antiquity. It became a period of scientific, artistic, technological, and philosophical growth in the region, with its influence spreading throughout the known world. Learn more about the history of the Renaissance as we explore various works and people who sparked the “rebirth” of a new age of exploration and discovery. Then join your fellow artists and engineers as you recreate paintings and engineering marvels straight from the journal of one of the most famous and influential individuals of the time: Leonardo da Vinci. Will you have what it takes to create a masterpiece to stand the test of time?
Look out for a second blog post later in 2022, which will outline topics for the second half of the year! Hope to see you all there, fellow time travelers!
