COLUMBIA, SC (WLTX)-- Students at Hand Middle School in Columbia got a unique look at history when "Abraham Lincoln" or "Peter Holland" showed up to class.
When it comes to preforming on stage Holland says, "I don't care how good of an actor you are. You know, you just can't be on stage by yourself. You want to involve the audience. And involve them in the stories, so that they feel that they are a part of it. It's always fun when kids get up on stage with me".
Lincoln shared stories about his early life and his time as president, as students like Jalen Blount looked on.
"Abraham really wasn't a bad person. He was actually someone who tried to help people. some people didn't like the way that he helped people, did like what he did," said Blount.
Students also learned how Lincoln's decisions as president affected South Carolina...
"I think that the fact that he issued the emancipation proclamation in 1863 which freed all of the slaves in the Southern States hastened the end of the civil war. ">
Following the Lincoln presentation 8th graders took the stage in a mock trial for General William Sherman who led the burning of Columbia. Schuyler Moran used his skills to try to persuade the jury.
"It's exciting. I'll do it because I think that the way that I am thinking is the correct way and more people should understand what happened. During Sherman's march," said Moran.
Lila Walker tried to prove how Sherman's march was an unjustified war tactic.
"I don't really care if we win or lose, I just want to tell the jury my side of the story to the best of my ability and I hope the other side does it too because they are my classmates and I want them to do well," said Walker.
After putting Sherman on trial a Columbia judge gave the verdict ruling in favor of the prosecution. Thanks in part to a history lesson more than 150 years old.
