BRENHAM 4TH GRADERS TAKE PART IN LOCAL HISTORY DAY
The sixth annual Local History Day for Brenham ISD will take place today (Tuesday) and Thursday this year. About 350 fourth graders will attend the program, a journey into the past adventures of Brenham and Washington County forefathers.
“We’ve had exciting results with Local History Day over the years,” said Dr. Walter Jackson, Superintendent of BISD. “The kids get to see history, feel history, touch history and take memories and goody bags home to their families! This is the kind of learning that doesn’t come from textbooks, but stays with students for the rest of their lives.”
“I doubt that you can find another town in this nation that does something like our Local History Day,” said Mike Ogg, Principal of Alton Elementary School. “Brenham's history will live on in our children because of this special event.”
“The purpose of Local History Day is to show students that history can be fun and inspire them with the importance of our community to Texas history,” said Jennifer Eckermann, manager of the Main Street Brenham Program for the City and leader of Local History Day. Another goal is to reach their parents with ideas for enjoyable family outings to embrace our local heritage.”
In the all-day field trip, students visit various historic locations where they meet Washington Country’s “forefathers” (costumed actors). The children experience the history of each venue through sights, participation and stories told by the historical characters. Games from the 19th century are played at some locations, and fun songs from the 19th Century are taught. A picnic lunch is provided for all.
“Local historical organizations are again collaborating to produce Local History Day,” said Eckermann. “My co-leader, Sharon Brass, and I are pleased to plan the event with Brenham Fire Department, Brenham Heritage Museum, the Heritage Society of Washington County, BISD, and volunteers Bonnie Brinkmeyer, Barry Brass and Rick Perkins.
“We also have participation from The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre, Glissmann Drug Store Museum and Independence Historical Society.”
Main Street Brenham and The Rotary Club of Washington County are this year’s primary underwriters, partnering with Horseshoe Junction to provide lunches for the students.
Unity Theatre continues to play an important role, providing authentic costumes for Local History Day reenactors.
Additional sponsors this year are City of Brenham, Appel Ford and Hyundai, Barnhill House Toys and Books, Blue Bell Creameries, Boys & Girls Club, Brazos Country Travel, Brenham Abstract & Title Company, Brenham Music Academy, Brenham Police Department, Citizens on Patrol, the Captain Jabez Deming Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Dr. Richard Fox Brenham Chapter of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Horseshoe Junction, Kwik Kopy Business Center, Solutions in Sound and the UPS Store.”
About 150 community volunteers perform and work in Local History Day each year. Anyone interested in helping should contact Jennifer Eckermann at 979-337-7384 or Sharon Brass at 979-451-1459. Story and photos courtesy of Main Street Brenham.