Kentucky 4-H Early American Heritage Club Travels to Fort Niagara, NY

What an amazing experience for our Early American Heritage 4-H Project Club over the July 4th weekend thanks to the partnership and a love of history from ANR Agent Adam Barnes in Livingston County and 4-H Youth Development Agent Leslea Barnes in Crittenden County.  The Early American Heritage Club formed in 2018 from youth that also shared the same love of history whose interest was sparked by attending the 4-H Spring Muster put on by these agents and volunteers to introduce youth to Civics learning by immersing themselves into American history and culture. The journey to Fort Niagara, New York, allowed our 4-H’ers to step back in history and recreate the Siege of Niagara in 1759, portraying the French Guyenne.

Our youth immersed themselves in 18th-century culture while camping out in front of the fort’s castle, embracing many core areas that 4-H provides to our youth, such as leadership, civics, natural resources, health, and family & consumer sciences (FCS). This trip was an incredible opportunity for them to learn, grow, and create unforgettable memories.

Leadership and Civics

Participating in the reenactment of the Siege of Niagara required our youth to demonstrate leadership and teamwork. This trip offered older members a progressive growth experience as they taught younger members new skills such as setting up tents, rolling cartridges, marching in a company line, learning drills, and absorbing the culture by hearing people speak French as their primary language as well as visiting historical landmarks that have been in existence for over 250 years. These hands-on activities and experiences fostered their learning and taught them the importance of leadership and civic duty, giving them a deeper understanding of history and its impact on our present society.

Natural Resources and Health

Living in 18th-century conditions, our members learned to appreciate the natural resources around them. They gathered wood, prepared meals over open fires, practiced and demonstrated firearm safety, and learned about the flora and fauna of the Fort Niagara area. This connection with nature also reinforced the importance of health and well-being, as they engaged in physical activities and learned the value of a balanced diet and outdoor living.

Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS)

The trip provided numerous opportunities to practice skills related to family and consumer sciences. From sewing their period costumes to cooking historical recipes, our 4-H’ers developed practical skills that are both educational and enjoyable. These activities fostered a sense of independence and self-sufficiency, which are key components of 4-H’s mission.

Highlight: Visiting Niagara Falls

The highlight of the trip was visiting Niagara Falls in our uniforms and 18th-century clothing. This unique experience attracted attention and led to many photo opportunities with curious onlookers and a way to share with the public their love of bringing history to life. It was a fun way to share our passion for history with the public and promote the 4-H program.

This trip was such a fun and enriching experience, and it was made even better by sharing it with our 4-H and reenacting family. The bonds formed and the lessons learned during this adventure will stay with our members for a lifetime. We are incredibly proud of our Early American Heritage 4-H Project Club and look forward to many more historical adventures in the future!