On Friday, March 8, Cardozo High School hosted its 17th Civil War reenactment. The reenactment took place on the football field from periods 1-8 with Mr. Mitrano and Dr. Ridout leading the event. Students were able to head to the field during their U.S. History class and gathered around the campfire, unsuspecting of what was in store for them.

Created 19 years ago, the event started when Dr. Ridout was still teaching at Cardozo. He wanted to show students how things were for soldiers during the Civil War. Later on, Mr. Mitrano joined Dr. Ridout in the reenactment, and both shared their love of U.S History to students. Dr. Ridout eventually retired, but Mitrano still keeps this tradition alive and stays in contact with Dr. Ridout to discuss when the next reenactment will be.

During the reenactment, Mitrano and Dr. Ridout were dressed up as Union Soldiers from the Civil War. They described clothing, living conditions, timely trends, and how soldiers fought and during the war. They brought rifles from the 1800s and, gave detailed demonstrations on how to load and fire one.

“It’s just to bring a different classroom experience,” Mitrano shared. “Instead of just sitting inside, watching a video or reading, we have a real hands on history, seeing how weapons from the 1800s worked, trying some of the different foods, and bringing a new experience that we don’t normally get in a classroom.”

Mitrano allowed students to try hardtack- a type of hard of bread, as well as a stir fry of food. It consisted of potatoes, apples, onions, and corned beef.

The Civil War reenactment provides an opportunity for kids who are taking U.S. History to experience a part of what they are currently learning on the topic. It is an amazing opportunity provided by Mitrano and Dr. Ridout that keeps students engaged in the learning of history.