Students get a historical visit
By Chris Simon

Actor David Morris, dressed as former prime minister John A. Macdonald, spoke to a group of Grade 8 students from Sunnybrae Elementary School Monday. Morris performed in a History Comes Alive program for students at several Innisfil schools earlier this week. He will also be performing for Alcona Glen Elementary School students at the Innisfil Public Library's Lakeshore branch this morning.

John A. Macdonald took some time out of his eternal slumber to visit students from several Innisfil schools earlier this week.

At least that's what David Morris would have them believe. The actor, who performs in a History Comes Alive educational program, dressed up as Canada's first prime minister to speak with Grade 8 students who attend Thor College and Sunnybrae, Innisfil Central, Killarney Beach and Cookstown public schools over the last few days. Today, he'll also perform for Alcona Glen Elementary School students.

For Morris, the performances are about spreading history through an interactive dialogue with students.

"Canadians have the perception their history is quite boring; I suppose it depends what you think is interesting," he said, speaking with a Scottish accent, walking with a cane and wearing rubber facial prosthetics, a white wig, plaid vest and thick red necktie.

"Conflict is the essence of drama and we've often come to settling things without violence. That's the way we've built Canada."

He says students typically believe Canadian history is boring. After all, the country was forged without violence, a peaceful trend that has generally continued ever since. But telling tales about the troubles surrounding confederation, along with the heavy partying and late nights of Macdonald and many others in the House of Commons, helps the children understand the foundations of their culture.

Several students say the presentation has helped spark their interest in Canadian history.

"I like Canadian history; it's what formed our country," said Sunnybrae student Alyssa Green.

The program was hosted by the Friends of the Innisfil Public Library and the Innisfil Historical Society. Society president Donna Wice says it's important for students to understand the history of the country.

A guest speaker can help relate that history in an impersonal, funny way, away from the dry study of a textbook.

"(Morris) is precisely what we're looking for," she said. "It really engages kids in the past. We tried to figure out what audience would appreciate (Macdonald). He was wild and crazy. A performance is quite different from reading a textbook. It's a way of aquainting the students with one of our past leaders. Even if just a few factual details stick, your bound to absorb it. It's a more meaningful way to experience history."

The program was partially funded through the society's Farms of Innisfil book sales, said Wice.

"Because of the success of our book sales, we've been searching for some way to share with youth. We just wanted to turn (our profit) back into the community," she said. "We recognize a need to get youth involved."