Step Into History: The Living Museum Comes to Life!

Every year, fourth graders embark on an exciting journey through history in the form of the Living Museum project. This hands-on assignment invites students to choose a figure that had an impact on American history—living or deceased—to research and bring to life. The project is an annual tradition at our school, encouraging students to delve into history, develop public speaking and research skills, and showcase their creativity.

For this year’s Living Museum, students studied a diverse group of individuals from various time periods, backgrounds, and professions. From famous figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Amelia Earhart to lesser-known trailblazers such as Maria Tallchief, Grace Hopper, and the Tuskegee Airmen, the museum was filled with a remarkable range of characters that have shaped our world.

The project is a two-part experience: first, students research their chosen figure, learning about their past achievements, and contributions to society. They use this knowledge to craft a short presentation. In the second part, students deliver their presentation to the school community while dressed as their historical character. The students' work even extends to creating artifacts in the Lower School makerspace to enhance their portrayal.

Each student's presentation is a unique reflection of their chosen historical figure. For example, Chris D. ’33 chose to study Grant Wood, the celebrated artist best known for his iconic painting American Gothic. As someone who loves to create, Chris was inspired by Wood’s ability to capture American life through his art. "I wanted to learn more about how artists create and if I could use some of that inspiration for my own artistic journey," he shared. For Chris, art isn’t just about creation; it’s about inspiring others to follow their passions, just like Wood did.

Abby M. ’33 focused her research on Misty Copeland, the renowned ballerina who broke barriers in the world of dance. Though Abby herself is not a dancer, she admired Copeland’s unwavering dedication to her craft and her determination to succeed, despite many challenges. "She had five stepdads!" Abby exclaims, impressed by the dancer's resilience. Copeland's perseverance in the face of adversity left a lasting impression on Abby, who was inspired by the ballerina’s commitment to always striving for excellence.

The Living Museum is more than just a school project; it’s a way to connect the entire school community with history in a deeply personal and meaningful way. Visitors to the museum can walk through different “exhibits,” interact with the student-presenters, and learn about figures they may never have heard of before. It's a living, breathing exploration of how individuals—from many different walks of life—have shaped the world we live in today.