A huge thank you to volunteers Katie Wohlever and Elizabeth Fought from the Amherst Historical Society for bringing history to life for our 10th grade American History students with a powerful WWII activity called "Mail Call."
While studying World War II, students explored the emotional and cultural importance of letters from home for soldiers serving overseas. They learned how letters helped boost morale, shared hometown news, and kept service members connected to their communities.
As part of the experience, students stepped into the shoes of Amherst High Schoolers in March 1945 — just as students actually did during the war — and wrote heartfelt letters to soldiers, inspired by local hero and teacher Miss Marion L. Steele, who regularly corresponded with former students in uniform.
After engaging with real WWII documents, homefront displays, and historical artifacts, students were matched with reenactors from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regt, 6th Marine Division, who will receive these letters during a live “Mail Call” at the Taste of History weekend, June 13–14!
Come see the past come alive — we’d love to see you there!