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The sounds of history echoed throughout the
Museum and grounds of the Nunda Historical Society on November
8th. The whirl of the spinning wheel, the ring of the banjo,
the clang of old tools and the crisp shouts of military commands
were all part of Nunda's first "History Day".
History Day was organized by the Nunda Historical Society in
cooperation with Keshequa Central School. The daylong event
included presenters, museum tours and scavenger hunts, a Civil
War cemetery walk, and a special evening presentation. 
The morning and afternoon programs feature local folk artists,
craftsmen, and reenactors. Members of Cushing Battery A, 4th
US Light Artillery recreated a Civil War era camp near the Museum
building. Dressed in period uniforms and costumes, the soldiers
and their wives talked about life during the Civil War. Nearby
West Sparta Town Historian Dave Palmer and his wife played "whats
it" guessing game with the students using colonial and
19th century tools.
Inside the Nunda Museum students participated in several activities.
Missy Clark of Barkertown Sutlers in Mt Morris had the students
clean cotton which she then spun for them on her spinning wheel.
Nearby in the Rose Shave Gallery folk artist Sue Hengelsberg
led the students in Civil War era songs on the banjo, guitar,
and hammered dulcimer. Students also took part in a museum scavenger
hunt created by their teachers.
Over two hundred Keshequa students from the 3rd, 4th, 7th, and
8th grades took part in the historical activities. Another group
of students from the Genesee Valley Christian School in Geneseo
also took part. The event was also open to the general public
and several visitors took part in the "Find Your House"
activity using maps from 1858, 1872 and 1902 Nunda area maps.
 Later in the afternoon the activities continued with
a walking tour of nearby Oakwood Cemetery. The group visited
the graves of Civil War soldiers, heard their stories, and laid
flowers on their stones. The tour ended at the Civil War monument
known as "Soldier's Rest" where taps were placed by
David Pattridge, Chief Bugler of Cushing's Battery.
The evening program was entitled "Life During the Civil
War". This informative program was given by members of
the Battery and their wives. The presentation included information
about the Cushing Battery during the Civil War and the men who
fought in it. The women also showed era clothing and discussed
the lives of women on the homefront.
The day was considered a success by the Historical Society
and the teachers who took part in the day. The students also
found it worthwhile. "I like Nunda History day" Keshequa
third grader Nichole Simone wrote in a thank you note to the
Society. " I learned a lot from all of you. I want to
come next year too!"
Plans are already in the works to put together next year's event,
which will include two days to allow more students to have time
to explore the many activities. The Nunda Historical Society
would like to thank all who helped and took part in the day,
especially the Keshequa Central School District and the teachers
who helped to make the day some rewarding!
See more
History Day Photographs Here!
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