Did you know General Colin Powell once survived a helicopter crash? Did you know that Harriet Tubman treasured the nickname “Minty,” as she was called by her mother due to the minty fresh scent she achieved from working in mint fields?
If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you might be a historian, trivia champion, OR you might be one of the people who visited the Living Black History Museum researched and presented by the students of Mr. Dietrich’s 5th grade class at Myers Elementary School on March 5.
As part of celebrating February as Black History Month, students chose a person they either knew or wanted to learn more about, who has made a substantial contribution to the advancement of black history. Upon researching this individual’s personal history and societal contributions, each student turned this information into a script they memorized and performed as part of this living museum. Students also created their own costumes based on photos and portraits they found of their subjects.
Fast forward to the museum - Each “exhibit” included a student posing in a freeze-frame, a visual aid with fun facts and images of their subject, and a button that read “press me” causing each exhibit to spring to life!
Students from all classes and grade levels in the school were invited to attend, and museum patrons included students ranging from 1st-5th grade. Additionally, members of the students’ families were invited to attend, as well as other staff. Patrons were both entertained and educated and a great time was had by all!