Organizers are working to get Riverview Park ready for the Battle of Selma, but before reenactors take to the field, hundreds of students will witness history first hand.

Each year, the Battle of Selma sets aside two days for students as a part of its School Days. Students, primarily in the fourth and fifth grade tour several stations about different aspects of life in 1865.

Event organizer James Hammonds said the first-person interaction is an important addition to classroom learning.

“It’s one thing to read about history in school,” James said. “But, many people can’t relate to history or don’t relate by just reading about it in a book. When you can feel the wool jacket, touch the horse or touch the cannon, it’s a much more interactive experience.”

School Days averages 1,000 to 2,000 students per year, from around the state. Most of the students are taking an American history class, though Hammonds said students from first through 12th grades can attend. He said students spend about 10 minutes at each station and rotate to different topics.

Among the different stations are cannon demonstrations and descriptions of medical procedures during the Battle of Selma.

Elizabeth Hammonds, an event organizer and teacher, echoed James’ comments. She said a first-person experience is more memorable.

“A prime example is a cannonball; you can tell a kid that the cannonball weight’s 10 pounds but you can actually pick it up and feel how heavy the cannonball is,” Elizabeth said. “The School Days really make the textbook come alive and make the people pop out of the pages. There is no way a student can go to School Days and say it wasn’t a memorable experience.”

But the School Days aren’t only about war. Other demonstrations describe everyday life during 1865.

“They provide a larger view than just a military battle,” event organizer Benny Austin said. “The school days give a unique perspective of life during war time.”

With the Battle of Selma less than a month away, organizers are continuing to make improvements and additions to the battlefield.

“It’s a months-long process of bringing the Battle of Selma back to life,” Austin said. “It’s important for us to keep the Battle of Selma in the forefront. Selma is lucky to have a history that very few other cities have.”