Museum Objects Program Engages Second Graders in Local Heritage

In a world where history is often confined to textbooks and distant memories, the Feature Wall/Museum Objects Program, generously funded by Amesbury Education Foundation, Inc. (AEFI), is revolutionizing how second-grade students interact with their local heritage. The grant was spearheaded by retired educator Bruce McBrien, to foster a deep connection to community history. It funded the creation of a “feature wall,” coupled with a museum objects program and field trip to the Industrial History Center, for all second graders in Amesbury.

At the heart of the program is the Feature Wall, a tapestry of local history adorning the lobby of Shay Elementary School in Amesbury. McBrien conceived of this idea as the new elementary school was under construction. Comprising a historic map of Amesbury with 14 icons representing significant historical landmarks, industries, and personalities, the Feature Wall serves as a gateway to local heritage. Sheila Spalding, Museum Education Coordinator, and Bruce McBrien leverage this visual to anchor the Museum Objects Program. During each visit, students are introduced to a curated selection of objects to complement the Feature Wall icons. These artifacts, ranging from tools of trade to everyday objects, serve as tangible links to the past, allowing students to touch, feel, and ponder their significance. Whether it's the weight of a timber slick or the smooth texture of a niddy noddy, these hands-on encounters spark curiosity.

Students are invited to interact with the Feature Wall itself. With excitement they watch as a classmate pushes the corresponding button on the map, illuminating the icon associated with the showcased object. This seamless integration of tactile exploration and visual stimulation not only reinforces learning but also instills a sense of pride and ownership as students witness their city's history come alive before their eyes.

The impact of the Museum Objects Program extends beyond the school walls, as students are allowed to delve deeper into Amesbury’s legacy with a visit to the Industrial History Center. Here, they will wear aprons and roll up their sleeves, immersing themselves in factory life as they try their hands at crafting wooden bobbins—a tangible reminder of the city's industrial past.

As the Museum Objects Program continues to unfold, it serves as a testament to the power of experiential learning in shaping young minds. By bridging the gap between past and present, we are not just teaching history—we're igniting a passion for learning that will endure for generations.