Founding Fathers highlight Colonial Day at state Capitol
Fifth-grader Paige Smith, wearing a bonnet and gown typical of Colonial times, giggled as she stood with her classmates Friday in the fourth-floor rotunda at the state Capitol.
The girls from Oakridge Elementary School in Moore had just learned how to curtsy. Now it was time to learn a proper English country dance.
Boys dressed in breeches and tricorn hats and shiny black shoes with buckles took their places across from Paige and her classmates.
“Awkward,” she blurted out. “I don’t want to dance with them.”
Why not?
“Because they’re boys.” During Colonial Day at the Capitol, about 350 students in early American clothing traveled back in time to meet
important historical figures, learn about the daily lives of early Americans and debate whether the colonies should remain loyal or seek independence from the British crown.
They rubbed elbows with Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison inside the House Chamber.
“If the people wish to govern themselves there is no greater ammunition than the power which knowledge gives,” Madison, portrayed by Bryan Austin, told students, parents and teachers during a ceremony to open the daylong event.
A Bill of Rights song followed.
“The constitution was made for you, and friends it was made for me,” students and teachers sang. “It laid down the law for the government and said all people are free. It made three parts of the government to run this country of ours, and said no part can get too strong; it’s called the balance of powers.”
Konrad Mowery, 11, a fifth-grader at Fisher Elementary School in the Moore district, had a front-row seat.
“I know that back then we were 13 colonies and we were under British rule,” he said. “Some of us tried to be independent and break free from Britain and the American Revolution was held.”
Colonial Day director Teresa Potter, a teacher at Fisher Elementary, said her students count the event among their favorites of the year.
“They’re walking back in time and not only experiencing Colonial history, they’re making a connection to our government today by coming to the Capitol and seeing the legislators here,” she said. “This is a part of their fifth-grade history curriculum, so many of the things that we’re doing here they are required to learn according to the state standards. We are bringing a broader focus and enriching what they are required to learn.”
Maylyn Cifuentes, a fifth-grader from Hilldale Elementary School in the Putnam City district, won the Colonial Day literature contest for her essay about what it means to be an American. She received $100 and a plaque.
“To me, being an American means we shouldn’t judge other people because we aren’t perfect either,” Maylyn read. “Some people used to think someone had to have a certain type of skin color to be an American. But what I think an American should be is a hard-working person who earns things. They should be the best they can be and help others.”
Colonial Day, formerly Bill of Rights Day, is coordinated by teachers who have participated in the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute through a fellowship program administered by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
On Friday, about 80 Oklahoma teachers attended a Colonial Williamsburg and George Washington Teacher Institute reunion and workshop at the Capitol.
I know that back then we were 13 colonies and we were under British rule. Some of us tried to be independent and break free from Britain and the American Revolution was held.”
Konrad Mowery, 11, a fifth-grader at Fisher Elementary School