Students got a glimpse of life during the American Civil War this week, as they listened intently as David Jennings and Holly Larkin of the Southcoast Historical Associates gave a hands-on presentation of life for both soldiers and women during the Civil War era. The historical agency is based in the Fall River area.

"It's like a field trip coming into the classroom," Jennings said. "It's a different way of learning."

Jennings, who lives in Berkley, Massachusetts, said he and Larkin travel all over Massachusetts and beyond, with many trips taking them into the southern part of the country. Next week, the pair will be traveling to Virginia to perform as part of Virginia's 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Jennings and Larkin have done shows for audiences ranging from elementary school students to senior citizens.

And the students at the middle school were pleased with this new out-of-classroom experience.

"It was different from what we usually do," said Drew Madoff, an eighth grade student. "It was better than a normal lesson."

Read the complete article in the Stoughton Journal.