Traveling trunks were widely used throughout the 19^th century, and the Cadman family who settled in Narcoossee provided no exception. The Osceola County Historical Society cares for and preserves a number of trunks owned and used by the family during the late 1800s and early 1900s, as part of the Cadman Collection.

With school being back in session, we know Osceola County teachers will eventually be gearing up to plan some fun (and educational!) field trips for their students. What some people might not know is that the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum, Pioneer Village and our Traveling Trunks make for some great field trip experiences (and some of what we have to offer can come right to you in the classroom—consider it a virtual field trip of sorts).

As Osceola County teachers gear up for another school year, we thought it might be fun to offer up a few history lessons to use this year. Sprinkle some of them into your first week back with students as fillers between the “get to know you” activities and the “let’s learn the rules and procedures” talks. You could also save a few as lessons to teach throughout the school year (some would make great field trip ideas, and we have a post coming later this month to fill you in on all the Osceola County Historical Society has to offer as far as field trips are concerned, too!). We hope these lessons will help you ease back into a great 2014-2015 school year here in Osceola County!

Hamilton Disston Land Deal Lesson. Hamilton Disston was a land developer and industrialist who purchased millions of acres of land in Florida in 1881 spurring growth throughout our state. Disston, because of this growth, was responsible for creating Kissimmee and St. Cloud, a pretty important fact for us Osceolans! With your students, you can explore the Hamilton Disston Land Deal by making rock candy, seeing as Disston founded a 20,000 acre sugar plantation which led to the creation of St. Cloud as refineries for the plantation were constructed in Kissimmee.

With May being Osceola History Month, we thought it might be fun to highlight some ideas on how to celebrate the heritage of our hometown with your students. Who doesn’t want to try their hand at a little butter making or cracker house constructing? Not only are these ideas great for all ages, but with 4th grade’s focus on Florida history, connecting these ideas to the standards is easy for any teacher to do. 

1. Build a Cowboy Camp.

2. Make Cowboy Caviar Salsa.