Local History Gets Up
Close and Personal

Local people and places from the past came alive for eighth graders at Randolph Union High School this spring, in a months-long project that had students digging to local history.

The research projects were structured by RUHS teachers Brian Kennedy (social studies) and Lisa Floyd (English), who wanted students to interact with community members and learn about history that was significant to students’ lives.

Kennedy and Floyd wanted students to explore cause and effect in their communities, and to understand that ordinary people and buildings may offer extraordinary clues about our past, if we look for them.

Students began their research in early March and will present their findings beginning June 5.

Some students have chosen to research their family history, or the history of an event that affected the towns of Randolph, Brookfield or Braintree. Some looked into the history of a building in one of the three towns that has special significance to them.

Student Stephanie Deyette of Braintree, for example, researched the story of her great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. She did a gravestone rubbing grave at the Lympus Cemetery in Bethel, and interviewed John and Dorothy Manning of Bethel, who live in the house her ancestor once lived in.

"Not only are students working toward meeting standards in communication and writing, but they are also gaining a better understanding of the place in which they live," Mr. Kennedy said.

Ms. Floyd observed that the process proved to be an educational one for the teachers, as well, as they learned new things about local history.

"I never had any idea there had been a gelatin factory in Randolph," Floyd confessed.

"One thing that we really emphasize is that students should rely on primary sources," said Kennedy.

Student looked at "primary source" historic documents and interviewed people who had firsthand knowledge of events, as well as using books and internet sources, he noted. Their researches sent the kids to local town clerks’ offices as well as the county courthouse.

Kennedy and Floyd this week thanked community members who helped students.

"Without the support of community members who are willing to be interviewed and share information and documents, this project wouldn’t be possible," said Floyd. "We are very grateful."

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