LIMA, Ohio (WLIO)— Students from across five counties stepped into the past during a hands-on educational event at Lauer Farms 1944, participating in immersive World War II-era activities that brought history to life.
As part of the “Hands-On History” program, students acted as wartime spies for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) — the intelligence agency that would later become the CIA. In small groups, students were sent on missions to gather intelligence by visiting multiple historical stations, each featuring reenactors in period clothing.
The stations offered lessons in military life, battlefield medicine, communication techniques like Morse code, and the WWII home front. Students were encouraged to interact with the displays and ask questions as part of their missions.
“We went to the station about radios in Morse code, and we learned about how they took care of the soldiers when they got injured… A lot of their, like, things that they took care of the soldiers with were breakable, and a lot of stuff that we use now are in, like, plastic bags and stuff,” said Karlee Weisenburger, a freshman at Columbus Grove High School.
The event continues this weekend and opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors to Lauer Farms 1944 can explore living history exhibits, interact with reenactors, and experience the sights and sounds of the WWII era.
“This weekend, we are running our Lauer Farms programming for the public. It is completely free, parking is right here at the farm. It’s a ton of stuff to see and do. Like I said yesterday, make sure you bring walking shoes because it’s a decent-sized park and there’s a lot going on,” said Matt Martini, founder and CEO of Lauer Farms 1944.
For more details, visit Lauer Farms 1944 on Facebook.
