The Audrain County Historical Society’s Museum grounds were abuzz with activity last week during “A New Birth of Freedom” History Camp held June 3-7. The Civil War-themed camp was enjoyed by 64 campers with the help of 54 enthusiastic volunteers. This year was the 20th year for the annual camp held each summer. 

“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,” Cara Miller, History Camp director said.

The 64 campers were divided into 4 groups of 16 campers each. The four groups were “Preservers” led by Brenda Haden, Molly Brethorst, and Max Pashia; “Defenders” led by Becky Schafer, Maya Wieberg and Tucker Herron; “Protectors” led by Bonnie Janssen, Susan Presley, Lydia Hoyt and Kinser Groves; and “Crusaders” 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, Guest Educator and Recreation. Living History was led by Paul Baum, assisted by Evan Barnett, Andrew Poindexter and Owen Wilburn. The campers were enthralled by the storytelling of Mr. Baum while learning about blockades/runners, bluster, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Battle of Gettysburg. President Abraham Lincoln made a surprise guest appearance on Thursday.

Science was led by Brad Rothermich, assisted by Laura Davidson, Jayde Dodd, Daniel Hoff and Kael Smith. The telegraph, navigation techniques, telescopes, rifling, and aerial reconnaissance were some of the topics covered during Science. Campers also reenacted the Underground Railroad with guests Lennette Brown portraying Harriet Tubman, Austin Miller portraying Henry “Box” Brown, and Bill Gleeson and Chris Miller portraying Quakers.

Cooking was led by Lori Ray, assisted by Kerry Dubbert, Sue Fennewald, Amy Fisher, Julie Huffman, Moira Niemeier, Valine Perll, Kristen Rowe, Scottie Smith, Carla Tanzey, Kara Wieberg, Callie Wilburn and Krystal Wolfe. Campers learned about cutting, prepping, and cooking over an open fire to make fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, Journey cakes, S’mores, sweet potato biscuits,

Underground Railroad Stew and fried pies. Keeping the campfires burning were Ron Ray, Micah McNeal and Howard Tanzey.

Arts & Crafts was led by Barb Wilson, assisted by Ava Herron, Sue Ann Keith, Tina Schmeling, Linda Woods. Campers learned about and created a stick ball toy, braided rug coasters, quilt patterns and played an Underground Railroad game.

Campers ended their day with a Guest Educator session which featured a different Guest Educator each day: Randy and Sharon Nelson spoke about and brought their cigar box instruments, Ayanna Shivers spoke about the Missouri Colored Infantry and shared her great-grandmother’s stories, Tony Robertson spoke about The Grant Trail, David Maupin spoke about and displayed Civil War weaponry, and Barb Green read The Drinking Gourd book to the campers.

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 2025 History Camp theme is already being discussed and tentative plans made. Registration will be held in the spring of 2025. Please follow the Audrain Historical Society’s Facebook page for future announcements of camp information and registration dates.