HC students to bring Athens County history alive for schoolchildren
May 12, 2008
“Who were these old people anyway?”
That’s a question schoolchildren often ask when they visit the Athens County Historical Society and Museum (ACHSM) with their class, according to a press release. The question refers to the old-fashioned portraits of unsmiling people that are on display throughout the museum. The questions persist among all visitors:
What is their story? What was it like to live then? And most of all, why should we care?
In May, Hocking College students studying historical interpretation will illuminate a few of these personalities. They will present a program to third-graders at East, The Plains and Amesville elementary students and, in a more advanced program, to Athens Middle School eighth-graders where they play the role of three notable Athens County pioneers like the ones in the portraits. The presentations are themed after ACHSM’s current exhibit, “Ancestors of Athens County: Treasures from First Families.”
The exhibit is part of the 25th anniversary of First Families of Athens County (FFAC), a program of ACHSM and the Athens genealogy.
This year’s collaboration between ACHSM and Hocking College marks the first time ACHSM has been able to offer transportation funding applications to schools to help defray the rising cost of fuel. Funding was provided by a grant from the Athens Noon Rotary Club. Schools are encouraged to apply to ACHSM for transportation funds in the fall, according to the release.
Ken Bowald, director of Hocking College’s Natural and Historical Interpretation Program, said in the release that the form of storytelling Hocking College students develop as interpreters is used to create programs for park nature centers, historical sites and tourist destinations.
Bradly Nagle will present about the blacksmithing Crippen family and other blacksmiths from the era. Christine Kringle will present Margret Snowden, the first women settler in what is now Athens County.
She also will talk about women’s jobs during the pioneer era.
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.
