ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Ford School third graders Yefri Mendez, left, and Jorge Vagas look at pictures they took on a tour of the Lynn Museum.
BY MICHELE DURGIN
Eight-year-old Darius Parker learned about Lynn’s past and was eager to share his observations about the lives of shoe factory workers.
“I think it must have been a hard life for them,” he said. “They worked long hours making shoes, but I would work there because I like a challenge.”
Parker was one of 450 third graders who participated in a pilot program at the Lynn Museum & Historical Society that celebrates the city’s history.
The project incorporates a fact-filled, yet fun, workbook that includes photos of original city maps and shoemakers’ tools. There are also stories that honor early settlers, including Lydia Pinkham, famous for her pink bottles of a vegetable compound concoction that she sold as medicine for upset stomachs and other ailments.
Nine-year-old Kaylee Lopez said she enjoyed spending time examining artifacts.
“We had so much fun,” she said. “I hope we can go back for another visit.”
Classmate and self proclaimed fashionista Mareena Sa Thy offered, “I really liked learning about how they made their clothes in the past. I love clothes because that’s how I get to express myself.”
The pilot program was launched by Nicole Breault, the museum’s education specialist. She began working on “Industry and Craft: People At Work in Lynn” last year.
Her mission was to present the history of the city and its residents for elementary school children in an enjoyable and educational format. She wanted the program to step out of the typical “field trip” mold and become more of a multifaceted experience.
Research for the project began with Breault and the museum’s education associate, Judith Marshall, visiting students at the Brickett, Ford, Hood, Ingalls and Sewall Anderson schools. The purpose was to prepare the students for their museum excursion, as well as begin their journey back in time.
“The classroom visits were terrific,” said Breault. “We explained to the students that they were now history detectives and would be examining objects from the past, as well as researching people and events from a long time ago. The hope was that they would have a profound encounter with the city they call home.”
Ford School teachers Jennifer McCarthy and Jessica Bille said that the program was worthwhile and hope it continues next year.
McCarthy, a 17-year veteran teacher, said it’s a wonderful way to introduce young minds to their city’s history.
Bille said she was thrilled to see the students faces light up after seeing an old black and white photograph of downtown Lynn, and then realizing that is where Dunkin’ Donuts is today.
Ten-year-old Helen Lora said she was glad to participate in hands-on activities at the museum.
“I loved it because I got to learn about the past and see how things worked,” she said.
The pilot program will conclude with an Open House on Tuesday, June 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the museum. Hand woven wind chimes created by the students during their visit will be on display.
Benjamin Srey, 8, is looking forward to the gathering.
“I can’t wait for it and I hope my whole family goes,” he said.
Drew Russo, the museum’s executive director, said the program has shown that you don’t always have to go to Boston to learn new things. It’s possible to experience history and culture at home, he added.
“They are leaving with a true sense of the strength of Lynn’s roots,” Russo said.
The program was made possible through funding provided by the Demakes Family, Eastern Bank, the Gerondelis Foundation, and the Lynn Cultural Council.
