A step back in time on July 4th

NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Norwalk Historical Society held an Independence Day celebration at Mill Hill Historic Park on Wednesday.

It was a true step back in time as parents and kids got to tour the historic graveyard, learn about the Revolutionary War and what life was like back then.

The biggest highlight for kids seemed to be the little red schoolhouse built in 1826.

"Just talking to the families about what it would have been like to go to school back in the 1800s, the different ways children would learn the different punishments the teacher would have for his or her students," said Samantha Kulish, Educational Coordinator for Norwalk Historical Society.

A lot has certainly changed in schools over the years.

"Everything's different at our school," explained Nina Meyer-Mitchell, 6-years old, "we have tables, not benches."

Not to mention, pencils instead of quill and ink.

"Pencil boxes full of pencils, crayons, erasers scissors and glue. What do they use here? They use feather pens and ink and chalkboards and chalk," said Meyer-Mitchell.

After getting a hands-on experience, folks moved into the Town House for an Independence Day ceremony that included the Pledge of Allegiance and the ringing of the bells 13 times to honor the 13 original colonies.

Norwalk residents and officials gathered inside the Town House for a reading of the Declaration of Independence and to celebrate Norwalk's role in our country's history.

"I never realized that General Lafayette had a parade down this street in the 1800s after the war," said Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia, "thousands of people came out to see him then, thousands of people as he rode his carriage down Wall Street.

"We love the 4th, to celebrate the independence of our country," said Meyer-Mitchell.