Guiding students through a dramatic exploration of an historical event can elicit strong emotional reactions that can deepen student understanding and interest in the subject matter. This article describes an integrated third grade lesson plan that focuses on Henry Hudson's voyages in the early 1600s. The students take on the roles of Hudson's sailors, and experience the cold, loneliness, frustration, and disorientation of Hudson's last voyage. An integrated drama/history activity such as this builds on children's natural curiosity, avid imaginations, and love of good stories. Role-playing an historical event engages all of these affinities simultaneously. Through a series of imagined experiences based on historical realities, the students thoroughly explore the sequence of events. They emotionally invest in the characters and their destinies. When young students feel a sense of ownership over the event, they are generally more interested in learning about the details of the event. Ultimately, they develop a deeper understanding of the historical event because they have formed an emotional tie with the characters and their situation. A list of children's books and background material for teachers is included. (Contains 4 endnotes.)