Fishers Island School (NY) Contact: Charles Stepanek Fishers Island School PO Drawer A Fishers Island, New York 06390 Island Students Recreate Boston Massacre Trial Project Description: On May 8, 2000, a trial of British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre was re-enacted by students, lawyers, and the island’s judge in the American Legion Hall, Fishers Island, New York. All participants and many in the audience were costumed in 1770 colonial dress as they sat beneath a large Union Jack and an imposing portrait of His Royal Majesty, King George II, painted by the art teacher. The script, based on excerpts from the actual trial, included lines by John Adams, who was the solders’ defense attorney. The jury deliberated in open session for about an hour before an audience of fellow students and community residents. Sponsoring Entity: Fishers Island School People Benefiting: Approximately 100 students in grades 5-12, parents and community residents—about one-fifth of the island’s year-round residents. Best Things About This Program: The chemistry that became evident between the lawyers, judge, and students led to “a mutual respect that created an environment of the 1770s event,” according to History Teacher Charles Stepanek. The sincerity with which the lawyers and the judge approached the law was contagious. The element of a living history lesson as “the trial became real,” explains Stepanek. “I am an advocate of multiple-perspective teaching, and the participation of the students went far beyond my expectations.” Secret of Success: The spirit of cooperation that evolved between the lawyers, judge, students, administration, faculty, and staff of the school. Cost: Under $100 More about creating mock trials Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization