The oldest students, who have been studying the Civil War and the Abolitionist movement, were treated to an end of the year field trip led by the amazing Vanessa Johnson. Vanessa Johnson is a gift teacher and storyteller, who brings history to life! The first part of our experience was to view the “object theater” at the Onondaga Historical Association. Here children learned about the controversy swirling around the Fugitive Slave Law in Syracuse. Through voice overs, music, sound effects and spot lights that shifted to various life-size cutouts, we learned the story behind Frank Wanzer, Rev. Jermain Loguen, Caroline Loguen, Chloe Merrick, B. Davis Noxon and Rev. Samuel May. We then were part of walking tour of Syracuse’s abolitionist past visiting City Hall, Hanover Square and the Jerry Rescue Statue in Clinton Square.  At each site children enacted speeches made by Daniel Webster, Secretary of State in 1851, Susan Watkins, Mahala Robbins, Margaret Sabine, Frederick Douglass and others. At the Jerry Rescue Statue we heard from William “Jerry” Henry and how abolitionists bravely broke “Jerry” out of jail so he could escape to Canada. The students shared some of the highlights of the field trip: “ I liked that the plaque and balcony are still there to record Webster’s speech.” “I loved how interactive the experience was. We didn’t just have to listen.”“The OHA exhibit was really interesting and clever. I liked how lighting told the story.” “I liked being downtown and standing where history was made.” “I liked acting out the story.” “I was interested in seeing the shackles that were used to enslave William “Jerry” Henry. A special thank you to Vanessa Johnson and the Onondaga Historical Association.