By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

VINCENT— History came alive at Vincent High School March 21 when students presented a multi-class project after school.

The Living History Museum event combined the efforts of AP government and AP language arts and literature classes to produce a memorable event for parents and students.

“I love doing big things in history and projects that engage their interest and bring history alive are my favorite,” said AP government teacher Dawn Howard. “We had been doing an Ellis Island Living History Simulation for several years, and I wanted to do something different.”

The project started in September, Howard said, when they picked time period and character from history to research. Then they had to complete an outline, an annotated bibliography and a research paper for English.

Then the museum aspect came into play, Howard explained. Students designed, purchased or rented an authentic costume for their character and created a visual aid complete with props.

During the museum event March 21, Howard said the students acted like museum props until a guest pressed their button, and then they came to life presenting a two-minute speech. About 80 students participated.

“I really enjoy the costumes and oral presentations,” she said. “I love seeing students become the characters. Many really adapted to their character and it was as if you were having a conversation with the historic person from the past.

Some characters that stood out to Howard were William Clark and Meriwether Lewis, Abraham Lincoln, the Egyptians, Billy the Kid, Bonnie and Clyde, Babe Ruth and more. After research, Howard said two of her students discovered they were related to the characters they chose.

There were about 100 visitors the night of the Living History Museum, Howard said, and the parents seemed to enjoy the presentations. She said they even asked for an encore presentation.

“The students really enjoyed the project,” Howard said. “They loved it so much that after it was over, I had students coming up to me calling dibs on their characters for next year. They talked about it for days and so did their family and guests.”