Lunchbox Learning sessions planned at one-room school

There are many ways to define history. But no matter what definition is accepted, it is important to see that history is the story of people and what has happened to people in families and communities. History is all around us, no matter where we live, and it is our story.

The newly-renovated one-Room schoolhouse, located in the Antelope County Museum Complex, is hosting two Lunch Box Learning programs that look back in time about Nebraska and Western History. Programs and curriculum topics once used in education in rural Nebraska schools will be viewed and content will be discussed.

In the 1940's through 1980's, most of what a person came to understand about the world came from classroom textbooks and stories about what a person heard or saw using media. How influential was media in the classroom back then? How much of what we had available is relevant yet today? Do students realize that history comes out of books in carefully defined doses? How important is reviewing the past as much for adults as students when it comes to repairing the world?

The first session, set for Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m., will focus on The Trail of Tears.

Participants will view a two-part filmstrip, "Tragedy of the American Indian: Trail of Tears," written by Jerry Kline and produced by Thomas Kline in 1977.

The goal of the session is to listen to the tapes and watch filmstrips and come away with a better appreciation of Native Americans importance in history; and learn more about our own Heritage and how Native American story affected our Heritage and our future. For the Indians, the long and bitter trail of tears has become a dreadful example of man's inhumanity to man.

Discussion will focus on: Do we continue to underestimate the impact of the past?

One way to look upon history is to see it as continuity and change. At any given moment history is the past plus new ideas plus how the past and the present interact. Does history repeat itself? Where do you fit in this history? Do we have a responsibility as adults to carry on the story of the tragedy of the American Indian? How important is it for us as adults of today to see this doesn't happen again?

The second session, Longhorns and Cowpunchers, will be Wednesday, March 11, at 7 p.m.

Lunch Box Session Two: Longhorns and Cowpunchers

Participates will view the filmstrip and listen to audiotape titled, Sites and Sounds of Historic Nebraska, a program produced for ETV network and narrated by Dr. Robert Manley. It is based upon the story of how cattle business got started in the plains and the challenges between the cattleman and the homesteader.

The goal is to appreciate problems relating to Nebraska's colorful and exciting past.

Cattlemen were among the first to recognize that the Great Plains was a region possessing a unique environment. They realized that men would have to adjust to this environment if they were to survive and make a living. Although not many cowboys could read or write (their three R's were riding, roping, and roundup), they could read brands. Participants will discuss what's in the name of a branding iron, and try their luck at interpreting Cowboy Lingo.

Discussion will focus on: Were cowboys' heroes? What characteristics do modern heroes possess? What is authentic history? How do we separate the facts from the myths? Evidence may vary considerably. Who is correct? That leads us to realize, even after collecting vast amounts of evidence, the historian must interpret the evidence.

Both programs are free of charge. Because of limited seating at the schoolhouse, participants are asked to register for one or both sessions no later than two days before the program. To register, email Gloria Christiansen at [email protected] or phone 402.929.0330.