Through Their Eyes: How Young Voices Are Bringing the Past to Life at Old Baldy

There’s something powerful about watching a child step into the past.

During our Lighthouse Learners field trips, students don’t just learn about history—they imagine themselves living it. One of the most moving moments comes during our Civil War stop, where students write letters as if they were living on Bald Head Island during that time.

Recently, one student chose to write from the perspective of a nurse. In her letter, she reflected on the world around her, writing:

“As children play, I wonder how nice it would be to feel joy like that.”

What makes this especially remarkable is how closely it echoes a real voice from our collection. In a letter from Captain Charles Bahnson, he observed a similar scene—women working while children played nearby, remarking on how unusual it felt compared to the realities of camp life.

Another student took on the perspective of a soldier, writing about the hardships and uncertainty of the era. Through their words, they captured the difficulty of daily life during the Civil War—reminding us that even young learners can grasp the weight of history when given the chance to step into someone else’s shoes.

And of course, history doesn’t always stay on paper—sometimes it gets… constructed.

During one recent visit, a student became so immersed in the experience that he began building his own fort on the grounds. We like to think Old Baldy briefly gained a new (and very determined) Civil War engineer that day.

These moments, both thoughtful and playful, are what make these programs so special. They remind us that history isn’t just something to be studied, but something to be experienced, imagined, and even built.

Help Bring History to Life

Experiences like these are only possible with the support of our community.

Through our Adopt a Lighthouse Learner Program, you can help make hands-on history accessible to students across North Carolina by sponsoring a student, a class, or even an entire school’s visit to Old Baldy.

Every contribution helps create opportunities for young learners to explore, imagine, and connect with the past in meaningful and lasting ways.

→ Learn more and Donate Here