Field Trip Brings History to Life

5th graders learn the story of Henry “Box” Brown during field trip to the Gesa Power House Theatre

Today all WWPS 5th graders visited the Gesa Power House Theatre to see a performance by Mike Wiley, a dynamic and engaging historical reenactor. Mr. Wiley performed the story of Henry “Box” Brown, a Virginia slave who escaped to freedom by sealing himself in a wooden box that was bound for Philadelphia. The story, which was at turns heartbreaking, dramatic, and funny, was an important part of students’ Black History Month and U.S. History learning. At the end of the performance, Mr. Wiley answered questions from the students who wanted to know about Henry Brown’s life as a slave, his life after freedom, and the Underground Railroad.

This field trip was the result of a partnership between the Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation and the Gesa Power House Theatre. Many thanks to the Sunny Day Foundation, the Clara and Art Bald Trust, and the National Endowment for the Arts for the funding they provided.