Monday, January 31

3:30-4:30 PM (EST)

A Virtual Field Trip to The Tennessee State Museum

For our first day of camp, campers will be visiting the Tennessee State Museum’s Civil War and Reconstruction Era Exhibit Gallery focusing our visit on the Reconstruction era! Tennessee may have been a Confederate state, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of how divided Tennesseans were over the issues of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Join us as we look at the issues facing Tennesseans during this time of change.
Important Note! This session will take place via Microsoft Teams not Zoom. The link you receive to access this class will reflect this.

Tuesday, February 1

7:00pm – 8:00pm (EST)

A Virtual Field Trip to The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum

We’re taking our campers on a virtual adventure to The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum located in Fremont, Ohio! Hayes, a native Ohioan, served as the 19th president of the United States with his single term in office coming to a close in 1881. This virtual tour will feature a tour of the museum highlighting the history of President Hayes and some of the objects relating to our camp’s time period.

Thursday, February 3

7:00pm – 8:00pm (EST)

Reconstruction: Post-Civil War Successes and Failures

Reconstruction is one of the most important eras in American history and is defined both for its noteworthy achievements as well as its profound disappointments. In this session, we will examine the successes and failures of the immediate post-Civil War era. We will also discuss the legacy of Reconstruction and how the history of this era in American history informs the present.

Tuesday, February 8

7:00pm – 8:00pm (EST)

Birds Then and Now

Did you know some of the most common bird species found in the Mid-Ohio Valley today weren’t even on this continent in the late 19th century? Back then, bird species that are now extinct were familiar here. For example, vast flocks of passenger pigeons sometimes darkened the skies for days as they passed over, and Carolina parakeets were often spotted along riversides. In the late 1800s, massive declines in bird populations resulted from hunting to obtain feathers for women’s hats—a popular fashion craze. During this time, efforts to change this trend began a conservation movement, which persists today. Join us as we explore this fascinating and often forgotten history of how birdlife has changed in the past 150 years or so.

Thursday, February 10

Just as the 1880s and 1890s witnessed significant developments in technology, society, and politics, so too did the artistic realm conceive of new ways to visually interpret experience. Impressionism was perhaps the art movement of this period with the greatest influence on succeeding eras, up to the present day. This presentation will include a brief introduction to Impressionism, and look for its influences in The Castle collections and works in your own home.

Monday, February 14

The history of Marietta’s Centennial is quite a bit more interesting than you might glean from face value. Through a dramatic series of events Marietta held two rival celebrations of its 100th birthday, hosted speakers and dignitaries of regional and national acclaim, and tried its darndest to put itself on the map. This presentation will feature intriguing primary sources and rare images of the people and places behind the celebration.

Tuesday, February 15

During the centennial, displays of historical artifacts drew large crowds. Many of these artifacts were a hundred years old, but sometimes much older. How do you guarantee objects last so long and how do you exhibit them? We’ll answer these questions using a modern take from two museum professionals. Enjoy learning about the thought that goes on behind the scenes at many of your favorite museums with this engaging presentation!

Tuesday, February 22

With the world poised to begin a new century, a series of events in the last years of the 1890’s caused a dramatic shift in the established world order. As one nation aggressively worked to increase its influence and power, another lost its last colonial possessions, signifying an end to its long-standing supremacy. What role did the United States play in this drama? Find the answer and discover the dynamic personalities and momentous events that brought about this profound global change. Test your knowledge of geography and history and enjoy hearing music and learning a few phrases in another language as well!

Wednesday, February 23

Who were the soldiers that made up the US Army during the Spanish American War? Let a soldier tell you! He’ll show off and explain his army issue clothing and equipment. Don’t’ miss this opportunity to learn about the life of a Spanish American War soldier!

Friday, February 25

John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) is known as "The March King" for having composed over 136 marches during his life, but it was his reach as a conductor, bandleader, and showman for nearly 60 years, as well as his infectious performance style that captured the national attention and made his name a household word. The expression “beau ideal” was used in the early 1890’s to describe anything that had caught the public fancy, and this is certainly an apt nickname for Sousa as much as his more well-known moniker. During the period of 1880-1900, Sousa went from directing the Marine Band in Washington D.C., to traveling across the country playing thousands of concerts every year with his own professional touring concert band. This session will focus on Sousa's activities during one of the most important periods in his life and explore how he was able to achieve a level of fame in his time akin to Ed Sheeran, U2, Madonna, and Michael Jackson, all in the days before TikTok, YouTube, the internet, and even television and radio. And most importantly, we'll listen to some of his most popular marches written at this time, such as The Washington Post, Semper Fidelis, and The Stars and Stripes Forever!