Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

created by Jane Crowley, 8th grade social studies
Greely Middle School, Cumberland, Maine

INTRODUCTION PROCEDURE REFERENCES EVALUATION

INTRODUCTION

Zap! You have been magically transported back in time, somewhere between 1861 - 1864. Yes, the Civil War, also known as the War Between the States, is in full swing! Though you have tried your best, you have been unable to figure out how to get back to the 21st Century. Now what?

Since you have been unable to figure out how to get back to the 21st Century, you decide to make the best of it. Being new to the Civil War Period, you decide to hold a dinner party and invite some of the major important people of the time and get to know them better. You want to try to understand the time and how people feel about it.

BRAINSTORM: What does it take to create a successful dinner party? Interesting guests? Good food? Interesting and informed dinner conversation?
Decide: Did you end up in the North or the South? Does it make a difference? Can you have a "truce" at your dinner party and invite people from both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line?

Procedure:

1. RESEARCH

You will work on planning your party with a group of 6 - 8, a nice number for a dinner party. Each of you will take the role of a 19th century "celebrity". You will create a dialogue and discuss the news of the time period. Research. Share your research and bounce ideas off of each other! You want your party to be a success!

In order to hold a successful dinner party in the 1860's, you must first find out all you can about this period. Pick a date. Using the links in the Resource section, investigate this time period. Look for things like: a. Major historical developments and battles, famous people, cultural developments, daily life, the economic conditions of the time, clothing styles, foods, opinions, books, . . . and other key aspects of the periods .

2. PARTY PLAN

After your research, you and your group will plan your party. Some things to consider: a. What to serve? (group must choose an appropriate menu);

b. Background music? (if so, what kind?);

c. Attire? ;

d. Guest list (should include famous people from different aspects of history such as scientist, author, composer, artists, etc.) ;

e. Dinner conversation topics (what is happening at this time?)

You and your group will create

party invitations,
a program of events and topics for discussion and entertainment (so your guests will be informed)
a menu
your guest list. Remember to over-invite. Not every guest you invite will be able to make it. (These are busy people after-all!) Make sure your teacher reviews your guest list!

3. ASSUME AN IDENTITY

Each group member will assume the identity of one of the guests and "be" that individual for the duration of the party. With your group, plan a "conversation" that touches upon some of your research. Each guest must participate in a fashion appropriate for his/her identity and in keeping with the theme of the party.

4. PERFORM

Each party will take place in front of the class for the amount of time specified by the teacher. Individuals must stay "in their character" for the duration of the party. Party conversations will be about key issues of the day. The teacher (who was also transported back in time) will be a guest at each party in order to "keep the conversation moving" if necessary.

SUGGESTED REFERENCES EVALUATION