“We acknowledge the support of Inland Rail for this project”. On the 3rd of July, 2024 we presented our grant funded local history project to the pupils of Walla Walla Public School. The children were very engaged and asked a lot of very interesting questions.
The grant funding allowed us to procure costume dolls and other objects from the Lusatian area of Germany to educate the children about the Wendish (also known as Sorbs) contingent of “The Trek” party who comprised at least half of the original settler families of Walla Walla. Names include Wenke, Lieschke, Mickan and Hennersdorf. The costume dolls were dressed in traditional costumes worn over 100 years ago for varying activities, such as going to church, working in the fields or attending festivals. Only the latter is still used today.
Other items included intricate embroidery samples, ethnic block printing samples, welcome bows in both German and Sorbian language and decorated eggs in traditional style.
Thanks to the Principal Jo Cameron for supporting us with this project.