Appreciation of civilization is founded on appreciation of the laws of Nature; the source of all the gifts of civilization. The development of physical dexterity, domain relevant skills (how to mix colors, use specific brushes and application techniques), critical thinking and problem solving skills, self discipline and historical knowledge of the times are all goals of Living History.

The question: “What is the importance of teaching frontier skills to today’s children?” is certainly valid.  
“It is really a teaching device in problem solving and decision making: recognizing and identifying a problem, analyzing, proposing a solution and then acting on that decision to solve the problem at hand.  In our class, we isolate ourselves on the new continent, beyond outside assistance, and discuss our basic needs:  food, water, shelter, transportation, defense, communication, tools and others . . .  We then set out to solve our problems with daub and wattle shelters, water, food, fire without matches, writing with a feather using ink of our own making, making a lead pencil out of musket balls. This is a class of young people quite removed from those who have never had a chance to share such experiences,” believes Mr. Dick James, a charter member of the Mountain Man Association.

Problem solving skills on this level can parallel techniques for solving the problems that come with greater maturity; and they are as valuable in today’s modern, technological world as they were 200 years ago – perhaps even more so. From these classes, students gain a much expanded awareness of the many skills and products encountered in everyday life. 

The following are some examples of specialty skills presented during the weekly presentations given by Dick James:

Creating a shelter: Making and setting up a tipi, a Hogan, a Marquis Tent, or stacking logs and chinking to create a log home, and fire starting

Stitchery: Ditty Bag, Medicine Bag, Bead and Leather Work, and Moccasin making

Making clothing: Obtaining the wool, carding, spinning, dying and weaving cloth using the ancient Navajo Loom

Transporting goods and materials: Making a sledge, making and use of the travois, and the partnership between horse and human

Hunting skill development: Recognizing animal tracks, animal behaviors, ecological niches, making snares, making an Atlatl and using it in the ancient games to develop skill and agility

Clay and Ceramic Work: coil pottery, Fremont dolls, dish and lamp making

Spiritual expression: Face painting, mask making, music, drum-making, dance, and storytelling

Living History is offered to children ages 6 and up. Because of the necessary skill base, and focus required, participation is determined on a case by case basis for children.