Sacred Heart Fifth Graders Host Living History Museum

Fifth graders at Sacred Heart School recently hosted a Living History Museum that brought to life influential people in American History.

Visitors to the living history museum, which was located in the school gym, included parents and K-12 students who -- when touching a button at each exhibit -- were entertained with a brief history lesson from the student portraying each historical figure.

In preparation for the museum, fifth graders, under the direction of their teachers, Michelle McDonald and Julie Horn, were required to read a biography about their chosen historical individual and create a living presentation based on their life beginning at their birth and detailing their childhood, adult life and their major accomplishments and/or contributions.

They spent a total of three months reading, researching, and developing their presentations.

“The most difficult part of the project for the students was a combination of memorizing the presentation and actually presenting it in front of an audience,” said McDonald. “They really put their whole hearts into making it a success.”

In the photo at top: Sammy Altena as Marie Curie Sammy Altena brings to life Marie Skłodowska Curie, a physicist and chemist, who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. In her portrayal, Altena explains that Curie suffered from radioactive sickness for over half of her life but never got help or treatment. “One of the most interesting facts about Marie Curie is that it took her a long time to discover radium, but she was determined and never gave up,” said Altena.

In the photo: Connor Rice as Mark Twain Connor Rice portrays Samuel L. Clemens, most famously known as Mark Twain, during the SHS Living History Museum. Rice explains that Mark Twain tried to be an inventor before he became a writer. “What impressed me the most about Mark Twain was that he was told many times that he couldn't write, but he never quit writing,” said Rice.

In the photo: Ximena Arevalo as Laura Ingalls Wilder With a push of a button, Ximena Arevalo springs to life depicting Laura Ingalls Wilder. In her presentation, Arevalo explains that Wilder, while well known for her books, was also a teacher.  “I was surprised to learn that her books are still so popular today,” says Arevalo.