Presenting Living-History Lyceums

Our lyceums are sure to spark anyone's interest in history. Research shows that people learn twice as much when learning interactively than in a traditional setting. Accordingly, Historical Experiences makes use of this knowledge by giving audience members an active role to play in historical events. Our presentations align with state social studies standards and work toward students achieving those standards in an entertaining and engaging way.

Historical Experiences is proud to offer you a new program entitled . . .

The Wild West:
The Real Story

The expansion of the American Nation is an epic story. When we think of the American West, we tend to conjure up images that are known the world over such as bearded forty-niners leading pack mules up a mountain trail, the Oklahoma land rush, Custer's Last Stand, and especially the range-riding, quick-shooting cowboy. But these familiar images are only a small part of western history. This presentation will take you on a gripping journey through the turbulent history of the region that has come to symbolize America around the world. From the explorations of Lewis and Clark through the closing of the frontier, the West presents a cast as rich and diverse as the western landscape itself: explorers and soldiers and Indian warriors, settlers and railroad builders. This presentation explores the real stories of heroism and hope, enterprise and adventure, as well as tragedy and disappointment. It explores the tensions between whites and the native peoples they sought to displace.. The Wild West: The Real Story will capture the drama and excitement, the sober realities and bright myths of the America's expansion west.
So saddle up and hit the trail for . .

The Wild West: The Real Story

The Presenter

Arn Kind has been an educator for 48 years bringing his educational and entertaining presentations to elementary, middle and high school students as well university lyceums. His presentations are popular with historical societies, libraries and festivals where organizers can choose from a variety of interactive programs that cover the history of our state, our nation and our world.

In 1995, Arn founded Fort Union Civil War Camp, a summer program where young people, ages 11 to 17, became recruits in the Union Army for a week. Over it's seven year run, roughly 480 campers lived the life of Civil War soldiers through drill and work detail, historical presentations and mock battles. The week culminated with "defending" an historical fort overnight.

Arn is a member of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment; a reenactment group based out of Fort Snelling. Because this group is noted for its authenticity, they have appeared in many documentaries and historical feature films such as The Blue and the Gray, North & South, Glory, Gettysburg, Dances With Wolves, and Gods and Generals. Arn brings this authenticity to his presentations. His training and experiences as a teacher enable him to adjust and adapt the subject matter to suit different age levels.

A very important part of Arn's presentations are the artifacts, uniforms and equipment that students will be able to observe, handle, and interact with as part of their hands-on experience in living the history.