On Wednesday March 27th, representatives of the Sons of the American Revolution delivered a presentation to about 180 students at the Shilling School for Gifted Children.

Mike Gunn presents to class of 5th Graders

Six members of the SAR participated, five from the Cincinnati Chapter and one from the Benjamin Franklin (Columbus) chapter.

The participants were: Michael Gunn, Bob Bowers, Gregg Ballman, Jack Bredenfoerder, Lee Wilkerson and Steve Conrad (from the Columbus Ohio area – Benjamin Franklin Chapter).

Together they delivered an Introductory History Presentation about the American Revolution to these students.

The Sons of the American Revolution is a ancestral lineage organization. To be a member, each member must trace / prove a direct lineage back to an American Revolutionary War patriot.

The SAR members led the students in a pledge of allegiance to the flag.

This was followed by each of the presenters briefly sharing the background of their patriot ancestor.

In addition, the different uniform styles were explained and why they were different (states, timing, type of unit, etc.).

Presenting the story of the patriot ancestor

These fifth grade students were split into three groups retiring to three classrooms.

A number of topics were presented over the course of the day to these students from 8:30AM to adjourning by 3:00PM.

Discussion about uniforms and the specific regimental buttons on the coat

In addition to the presentations, there were about 30 various American Revolutionary War artifacts presented and inspected by these students. These artifacts included military as well as day to day items used in Colonial America.

Over 30 artifacts of Colonial living and military service were displayed

The presenters were impressed by the quality of questions and the interest of the students.

For Officers, the sword was the soldiers primary weapon

We thank the students for their interests, the administration for giving us the opportunity to present and the parents for sending their children to a school which permits this information to be shared.

Explaining how a smooth bore musket operated and how it was used in battle

Thank you!