Home-schoolers bring Civil War to life in Baldwinville

By Owen Boss

BALDWINVILLE — Families had an opportunity to take a step back in time Saturday as Historical Happenings held a series of Civil War battles in Baldwinville State Forest, a program that originated as a way to offer home-schooled children a fun, hands-on way to learn about American history. Although it was not a re-enactment of any specific historical battles, the members involved had set up authentic camps, nurse’s stations and were dressed in both Union and Confederate uniforms. According to Kathy Mattson, founder and owner of the business, the program is not limited to any specific location and events have been scheduled this year across New England. “We do quite a few of these but this is the first one locally this year,” said Ms. Mattson. “We really have booked them all over. We went up to Maine this year, we had one down in Cape Cod two weekends ago and we will be in New Jersey in November.” Although the group has engaged in battles across the region, Ms. Mattson said they have enjoyed coming to the state forest because many of the participants live close by. “We will do these pretty much anywhere but we like to have them here in the park because it is local, it is easy for all of us to get out here, and the terrain is terrific,” said Ms. Mattson. “If people want to get involved they can just check our Web site and let me know and we will get back to them.” Saturday’s event was particularly special for Ms. Mattson’s son Isaac, who took charge of the Confederate army for the first time to celebrate his 18th birthday. “My family started the business about four years ago because my brothers and I wanted to be re-enacters, but to do that is really expensive,” said Mr. Mattson. “I have always been an officer, but today I get to be in charge and tell people where to go and what to do.” According to Mr. Mattson, there are several differences between re-enactments and this program, mainly in the way the scoring is kept. “Re-enacters do it where its just simply re-enacting battles we play this like a game like it is sports,” said Mr. Mattson. “Last battle for example we were supposed to assassinate the Union captain, we were unable to do that but we received a lot of points for killing a number of Union soldiers. And then after the day is over we see who has won and we add all of the points up over the year to see who has won the entire war.” To get involved in the festivities, interested residents can go to the company’s Web site http://www.historicalhappenings.com and contact Ms. Mattson with any questions. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 9/22/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 224)