In Bastrop, Texas, an 11-year-old has stepped up as the youngest volunteer tour guide at the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center's WWII exhibit, proving you're never too young to educate others about history. Stephen Ellis, an avid World War II enthusiast, will be leading visitors through the trials and triumphs of a global conflict that has defined much of our modern world, KXAN reports. His knowledge is not only book-learned; it stems from a deep familial military connection with his mother being a colonel in the USMC reserves and his father, a retired commander and pilot in the US Navy.
Young Stephen spent part of his childhood in Europe on military bases which gave him a unique educational backdrop allowing him to soak in history where it was made, in experiencing history Stephen’s deep passion for World War II was ignited, experiences that included visiting the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge and the Anne Frank House, according to visitbastrop.com. "All of Europe was a battlefield," Stephen reflected in a poignant allusion to the continent's turbulent past. The young guide, fueled by stories of human connection like that of American pilot Charlie Brown and Luftwaffe pilot Franz Stigler, looks to share these insights with others.
Ellis's debut tour is on the horizon, scheduled for January 13th, providing an opportunity for visitors to witness this remarkable young historian in action. His tours promise to offer a fresh perspective on the history of WWII, spiced up by his enthusiasm for military tactics and expertise on the US Army infantry's role in the European theater. Nicole DeGuzman, Executive Director of the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center, told visitbastrop.com, "Come witness this remarkable young docent bring the past to life,"
Handy for history buffs and the military community, Stephen's Saturday engagement offers free admission to active military members and veterans. Adult visitors can dive into the past for a modest $5 entry fee, while future historians aged 12 and under can enjoy the tours free of charge. More details about Stephen’s tour and other museum activities are available by calling 512.303.0904, an invitation for all generations to explore the echoes of the past, and, possibly learn something new from one so young.
