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06/18/2015 12:01 AMThe Madison Historical Society (MHS), along with the Deacon John Grave Foundation, the office of Madison First Selectmen, the Charlotte L. Evarts Memorial Archives (CLEMA), and the First Congregational Church, recently hosted 5th-grade students, teachers, and aides from Brown Middle School. The program of study, significantly expanded this year by Mary Ouimet and Connie Piccione, the historical society’s education co-chairs, began in 2010 and has brought Madison’s history to life for more than a thousand students to date.
This year, in line with the students’ core curriculum, the program emphasized the study of westward expansion and of Madison’s place in American history from the Colonial era through the early 20th century.
The 5th-graders circulated through seven presentations. They learned about the historic vote of 1845 that created the Town Green by removing buildings and beautified the area through the planting of “charter” oaks. They also learned about Madison’s first church and early post office.
At CLEMA, the students were introduced to primary-source information from the Civil War and learned the correct way to handle and store historical documents. A Town Hall meeting provided a venue for students to interview Madison native Cornelius Bushnell, as portrayed by MHS board member Dr. Lyle Cubberly. In a lively question-and-answer session, students learned about Bushnell’s life, including his role in the events that led to the building of the USS Monitor, which in 1862 fought in the world’s first battle of ironclad ships.
In the First Congregational Church, docents enlightened students about Chloe Scranton Bushnell, a staunch abolitionist who condemned slavery, and about the inspiring story of the Reverend Fiske. They were also treated to a pipe organ demonstration by church organist Nathan J. Bayreuther.
At the Memorial Town Hall, Selectman Fillmore McPherson and Guilford historian Joel Helander captivated students with tales of famous and infamous residents, and educated them on the importance of historic preservation.
The Deacon John Grave House invited students to discover the perils of 18th century cooking and the demanding chores expected of children in Colonial times. Finally, teachers at Lee Academy described Madison’s transition from agriculture to ship-building to a summer resort community, while students examined clothing, artifacts, and photographs from the early 20th century in the Business of Leisure exhibition.
Piccione and Ouimet, along with volunteers, also hosted the town’s 2nd graders for a similar program.