All over America, groups of historical reenactors teach history in a very dramatic hands-on way. They take the part of actual Americans from our past, and do as they would have done. It’s most dramatic when teaching about the Revolutionary War — when the colonies were fighting for their independence. In Haddonfield, New Jersey, near Philadelphia, a small piece of the war is re-fought each summer.

The battle outside the Indian King Tavern, called the Skirmish, was not a major offensive, but represents all the smaller battles that were fought through the colonies. The fact the reenactment plays out in front of thousands of people and many school children makes for a great learning opportunity. The Tavern is now a state museum and tells the story year round.

Many of the re-enactors play the part of actual people — relive their stories. Noah Lewis plays the part of a true war hero: Artillerist Edward Hector, who fought in the Battle of Brandywine. Hector was a free man of color and Noah says without men like him, the war may have turned out differently. General Washington had between 10 to 25 percent black troops — not just fighting for the nation’s independence, but their own freedom. So events like Haddonfield are a perfect chance for Noah to tell Edward Hector’s story to young children.