Opera was first performed in America in 1735 in Charleston, South Carolina. Colley Cibber wrote the opera, Flora; or Hob in the Well. Idea: Children could learn about the components of opera.
Feb 082025
Apr 122025
Fort Sumter Today
Civil War began in 1861 when Confederate troops attacked Fort Sumter near Charleston, South Carolina. Children can view images of Fort Sumter today and the fort during the Civil War at: http://www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm. Children could color on a map the states that became the Confederacy, the states that remained in the Union, and the areas that were not states then. The Civil War ended April 9, 1865.
Jun 132025
Marquis de Lafayette landed near Charleston, South Carolina, in 1777 to help train patriot forces. Nineteen years old, he became a major-general in the American army without pay. He worked closely with American soldiers, and he also helped America’s cause among the French. After the American Revolution he returned to France to help his own country establish a democracy. Children can learn more from the Liberty’s Kids series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCFnDuouqxM.
Jun 202025
West Virginia Flag
West Virginia became the thirty-fifth state of the United States in 1863. It seceded from Virginia in 1861. Its nickname is the Mountain State, and the capital is Charleston. The state ranks forty-first in area and thirty-fifth in population. Today much of its income comes from farming and coal mining. Children can visit a website at: West Virginia. Idea: Since Charleston is the capital, children could learn to dance the Charleston.
Aug 312025
Charleston Earthquake
Charleston, South Carolina, experienced a major earthquake (measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale) in 1886. The first major earthquake recorded in the eastern United States, it killed about one hundred people. The people of Charleston found unique ways to repair damage to their homes. Idea: Children could find out how and why earthquakes occur at the very interesting USGS site at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/.