History was the lesson of the day recently as the $381 million BrightStar Credit Union of Sunrise, Fla., sponsored an electronic field trip back to the American Revolution. BrightStar pays the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation $20,000 each year to sponsor the program at 40 schools in Broward County.

In addition to cool costumes, the e-field trips feature a simulcast and live video chat. To keep it on topic, the focus at the Oct. 11 gathering was the “Will of the People” where fourth- and fifth-graders learned about the presidential campaign of 1800, considered one of the most bitter in U.S. history. Thomas Jefferson (and other actors in costume) explains to students how negative campaigning, partisan politics and contested elections have been part of the political system since its earliest days.

Approximately 60 students from Pembroke Lakes Elementary School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., participated in the e-field trip, called in questions and dressed up in costumes of the period. Staff from BrightStar also dressed up as well bringing flags and other patriotic items.