The Central College History Club, in collaboration with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, will host their annual Range Day event on April 22nd.

The event is an educational experience for students, in which they learn about the history and significance of firearms from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Through hands-on instruction and a strong focus on gun safety, students engage with historical firearms and gain a deeper appreciation for military history. Each year, the event draws 180-200 students. The event also fosters strong connections between students, faculty, and law enforcement at the county, state, and federal levels. Central College Senior Lecturer of History Mark Barloon said that event has been going on for around 20 years now and allows all students a chance to experience history firsthand.

“It began years ago when a student in one of my military history classes asked if it would be possible for us as a class to go with one of his friends who has a black powder musket in a civil war class and shoot it. And from there, it just blossomed and rolled into this thing that is open to all Central College students for free, and they get to spend the day at the range if they want, or spend a half hour, or whatever time allows as they can come and go as they please.”

Hear more about Range Day from Barloon and Central College History Club Co-President Eric Malcom on an upcoming Let’s Talk Pella.