"The Gettysburg Address, A Reenactment" - A History Play

As a classroom teacher I love to get my students up and active in class! Here is another chance to do just that by reenacting Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. 

This play/reenactment is meant to enhance any lesson you may have about the Civil War (especially the importance of Gettysburg), government (the equality of all people), famous speeches, etc... It usually takes my class about 15-20 minutes to complete -have fun! 

The play/reenactment has three brief scenes: 1) the morning of the 19th of November at the David Wills house, 2) arrival of Lincoln to the dedication around noon, and 3) the Gettysburg Address. 

Everyone in your class can get involved from Lincoln to being in the crowd. 

I try to use many sources when writing my lessons, plays, etc...lf possible, I really like to use eyewitness accounts. This reenactment uses the memories of three different eyewitnesses there that day. One of the eyewitnesses, William Rathvon, was literally within about 15 feet of Lincoln. Seventy­ five years later, a much older William Rathvon will make the only known recording of an eyewitness to the Gettysburg Address. It's fascinating! You can easily find that recording online. 

Another eyewitness, Sarah A Cooke (Myers), was well-known to many in Pennsylvania to have recounted what she experienced at Gettysburg, including shaking the hand of the President. Finally, Joseph Goulden, later Congressman Goulden, was just 18 when he listened to Lincoln. Later, he said Lincoln's words were part of the inspiration for him to join the United States Marine Corps during the Civil War. 

I hope you enjoy this reenactment as much as my students do! It will help any of your lessons "come alive" in the classroom and should lead to some great classroom discussion, as well! 

3-page Word doc