Soldier program in danger of ending

If the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site closes, area fourth-graders may lose one of their favorite yearly school presentations: the "Soldier of 1812."

Stephen R. Wallace, an interpretive programs assistant at the battlefield, travels to schools wearing an old-fashioned military uniform and teaches fourth-graders about the War of 1812.

"Actually showing students what the war looked like changes the atmosphere of learning; telling stories that give them visual imagery gives them inspiration," Mr. Wallace said. "But we may not be here next year, because they've proposed shutting us down completely."

If Gov. David A. Paterson's executive budget proposal passes, five north country state parks and historic sites will close, including the Sackets Harbor Battlefield.

Mr. Wallace spent Tuesday afternoon with Beth A. Castilleja's fourth-grade class at Sherman Elementary School. The pupils are learning about the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War in social studies class.

Dressed in a uniform like those American soldiers wore during the War of 1812, Mr. Wallace carries a musket and a pack full of things that soldiers would have found useful. He hands out bags to students that contain items such a thimble, black licorice and long socks. Students break into groups and figure out how each of the items would have been used.

Mr. Wallace designs his presentations to closely correspond to state curriculum standards. When he asks questions about the war, students' hands shoot up in the air.

"I go into fourth-grade classrooms because they're fun, sharp and enthusiastic," Mr. Wallace said. "When I ask a question, you see the wheels turning and things start clicking for them. If you give them a hint, they'll get it."

Mr. Wallace told the children what caused the Americans to get involved in the War of 1812 and about Sackets Harbor's role in history.

Joseph A. Tarzia III, 9, said that he liked the presentation because he's interested in United States history and that he learned a lot.

"He was pretty cool; he wore his coat, told us about ships and did some maneuvers with the gun," he said of Mr. Wallace. "He told us all about the war and Sackets Harbor. There are a lot of cool things about our country."

Mr. Wallace visits Mrs. Castilleja's class every year, and he sees about 1,000 students in their classrooms each year. He has been working at Sackets Harbor Battlefield for nearly 20 years, he said.

The presentation helps children learn about the war because they can visualize what the soldiers' uniforms and guns looked like, Mrs. Castilleja said.

"This brings it to life for students, when they can see and touch. Their interest level is high, and Mr. Wallace emphasizes things they've already learned in class," Mrs. Castilleja said. "It will be a shame if the battlefield closes and we lose Mr. Wallace. I'm afraid it will become a lost part of history."