As ardent history buffs, my husband and I were completely captivated by our trip to this fully re-created colonial settlement. As we strolled down the charming Duke of Gloucester Street, we were surrounded by the sites and sounds of colonial life in the late 1700's. Townspeople, or "interpreters" as they are called, live and work within the town and literally bring the 18th century era to life. As visitors, we entered the House of Burgesses and listened to prominent Virginia statesmen debate the politics of the times. In the evening we dined by candlelight on the traditional faire of peanut soup and potage pie in the King's Arms Tavern, one of George Washington's favorite eating establishments. At times it felt as if we were actually transported back to one of the most fascinating times in our Nation's history...that was until an interesting encounter in one of the shops on the main street brought us back to reality.

Upon entering the local silversmith shop, we found a group of 10-12 visitors watching as the shop's owner, in full colonial garb, demonstrated his trade. During the course of his demonstration he paused and asked the crowd if they knew of a Boston silversmith named Paul Revere. Most adults in the room could be seen nodding their heads, however the children present in the room were noticeably silent. The silversmith then asked an 11 year old girl if she had ever learned of Paul Revere. She replied that she hadn't. It was a telling moment, indeed. The silversmith reassured the young girl that it was not her fault that she was unfamiliar with Paul Revere. He further went on to explain that it was not unusual for today's American children to learn very little about the founding of our country. He stated that "there is so much more that schools have added to the plate of learning that it is impossible to teach everything."

The silversmith proceeded to ask the young girl if she had learned about Harriet Tubman. Without hesitation, the young girl quickly responded that Harriet Tubman was an American slave who helped guide several hundred slaves to freedom along the "Underground Railroad" in the 1800's. With a big smile across her face, the young girl felt vindicated, and her mother…relieved.

For the remainder of our stay I could not stop thinking about the episode we had witnessed. In an attempt to broaden the focus in our classrooms today, how is it possible to teach our country's history without a detailed understanding of the life and times of our nation's founders? How is it possible for children to fully understand the courage of Harriet Tubman if they have no concept of the 100 years of history that preceded her struggle?

Upon returning home, I asked my own ten year old daughter if she knew of Paul Revere and Harriet Tubman. Thankfully, she was able to tell me in great detail about both American heroes. I was relieved, but have been haunted by our experience in Williamsburg ever since. How many other children have been denied the privilege and enjoyment of learning about Paul Revere and Patrick Henry? How will these children ever appreciate the American freedoms we enjoy today if they are not given the opportunity to learn of the events leading to up the American Revolution? The stories of our founders' struggles are great food for young imaginative minds. We cannot let our rich heritage be forgotten! Tonight, around the dinner table, ask your child if they have ever heard of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.

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