Viking Camp 2015
For the fall semester of 2015, we the students of History 480 embarked on our Viking longhouse trip to gain a first hand experience in experimental archeology, which happens to be the main focus of our seminar this year. Now instead of taking a more formal approach of sitting in a classroom and lecturing about artifacts from the Viking period, our Viking longhouse trip allowed us to live as Vikings and see what a day as a Viking would look like. The fact that we took this trip is important just because students want to learn in new ways, not everyone wants to sit in a classroom anymore making this trip a perfect way to make learning seem more engaging.
Upon our arrival, all of us were able to catch a glimpse of this fantastic structure although smaller in size than the longhouses found in Norway, Iceland, and Greenland, the longhouse owned by the Christianson’s was impressive none the less. Surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and right on the water, the Viking longhouse was a beautiful sight. From the moment we entered the longhouse, everything we ate or any activity we did, was something a Viking would also do. We made traditional Viking meals, we did the work a Viking would do, and we learned about their crafts all of which was done in a hands on manner. Owen Christianson and his wife live out this part of history and their dedication to historical accuracy and creating a longhouse in which we could walk around and do things in made the weekend pretty memorable. One occasion that took place that weekend that I think a lot of us enjoyed was the fact that two blacksmiths came in and taught each and every one of us how to make an S hook. Now as far as hands on learning goes this may be the coolest class project I have ever done. The process of making an S hook was made relatively easy for us since none of us by trade or profession trained blacksmiths but regardless the activity was really fun. The blacksmiths they brought it were really professional and it was more than obvious that these guys knew their craft and they are dedicated. Being a blacksmith for that hour or so was honestly a really good time and I recommend that if you have the chance you give blacksmithing a try and apparently there are a lot of opportunities to give it a try. I would do it again in a heart beat only next time I want to try something more difficult.
Overall with the great weather, the good people, and Viking history lessons galore a lot of fun was had that weekend. Its an experience that I hope all history students get the chance to have and one I think that students who aren’t exactly history students would enjoy. Upon our arrival back to Green Bay, Professor Sherman told us that the Christianson’s would like to give us their longhouse and by bringing the longhouse to the University I think more people will get to enjoy an experimental archeology experience which will be very helpful in furthering the education of a lot of students who find it easier in non traditional ways.
We as a group owe a lot to the Christianson’s for opening up their home and their longhouse. They truly provided us with an authentic learning experience that I think will benefit not only me in the long run but our entire class and very much so future students. To put it frankly I had a lot of fun this weekend.
