As stated in Making Connections, by Geoffrey and Renate Caine, 1991, if educating does not have a link to the student’s life emotionally it will not be stored in locale memory. This memory is connected to the experiences we have in a particular space.  Being able to remember a concept by relating it to where we were and what we were doing.  This memory is suggested to be limitless!  On the other side we look at a memory system referred to as taxon memory.  This is where we store facts memorized.  Only after repetition can these facts move to long term memory and then there exists the risk that the information cannot be adequately applied in a life situation. 

…That, in effect, is the difference between memorization and understanding.  A preliminary definition of meaningful learning, therefore, refers to storage of items that have so many connections, and are of such quality, that they can be accessed appropriately in unexpected contexts.  Appropriate connections are developed in the normal course of events by learning from significant experience.  The new information we acquire daily is always embedded in meaningful or important life events.  …new items become meaningful quickly, by virtue of their being packaged in relevant, complex, and highly socially interactive experiences.   (Caine & Caine, p.42-47)

            Participating in dramatic art with historical content provides an experience in space and time that establishes an emotional link for a student.  This project provides students the opportunity to take ownership of researching history, a genuine understanding of historical events, and the meaningful learning of experiencing “living history.”