Joe,
It will be a while before the kids display the level of interpretative sophistication that McClay evinced. The love of the particular, the patriotism that he discussed, however, can be instilled at an early age. I will never forget the times as a five or six-year-old when my father took me to battlefields or museums or historic houses after school and on the weekends. Or when I learned that where I lived was significant in some major and national historical event. I loved living history events, too, (and dressing up as historical characters such as Benjamin Franklin or Pancho Villa on Halloween). NC has a rich history, and there are many living history events that take place across the state. Start somewhere next door so to speak and let the kids’ particular interests influence where you take them. So, have some fun while giving them a sense of place.
