Presenting Living History Lyceums

Our lyceums are sure to spark anyone’s interest in history. Research shows that people learn twice as much when learning interactively than in a traditional setting. Accordingly, Historical Experiences makes use of this knowledge by giving audience members an active role to play in historical events. Our presentations align with state social studies standards and work toward students achieving those standards in an entertaining and engaging way.

The Presenter

Arn Kind has been an educator for over 35 years, both in the classroom teaching grades 4 through 12 and through his presentations to students and adults of all ages.

Arn’s unique performances are popular in a multitude of venues: from library and classroom seminars at elementary, middle and high schools to immersive lectures at the university level, as well as summer camps, historical reenactments and festivals.

In 1995, Arn founded Fort Union Civil War Camp, a summer program where young people, ages 11 to 17, became recruits in the Union Army for a week. Over it’s seven year run, roughly 480 campers lived the life of Civil War soldiers through drill and work detail, historical presentations and mock battles. The week culminated with “defending” an historical fort overnight.

Arn is a member of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment; a reenactment group based out of Fort Snelling. Because this group is noted for its authenticity, they have appeared in many documentaries and historical feature films such as The Blue and the Gray, North & South, Glory, Gettysburg, Dances With Wolves, and Gods and Generals. Arn brings this authenticity to his presentations. His training and experiences as a teacher enable him to adjust and adapt the subject matter to suit different age levels.

A very important part of Arn’s presentations are the artifacts, uniforms and equipment that students will be able to observe, handle, and interact with as part of their hands-on experience in living the history.