The annual Student History Walk, featuring fifth graders from Lincoln Elementary District 27 portraying historical individuals of the Civil War era, will be Friday, May 3 at the Lincoln Heritage Museum. “This is one of our favorite events every year. These living history portrayals allow students to bring history. And the museum provides an intimate setting and an appropriate historical backdrop for those presentations,” said Ron Keller, Director of the Lincoln Heritage Museum.

The fifth graders from Central, Northwest, and Washington-Monroe Elementary Schools will be in the first and second floor galleries. Museum volunteers will guide visitors through the galleries. Northwest fifth graders will perform at 9:00 a.m., followed by Washington-Monroe students at 10:30 a.m., and Central School students will start their presentations at 1 p.m.

The students prepare weeks in advance in selecting a Civil War era historical figure, then they write a monologue. After honing and practicing their portrayals, they are set to provide their first-person interpretations in period looking apparel to the public.

Ashley Phillips, Curriculum Coordinator at LESD #27, stated, "Our Lincoln Elementary District 27 staff, 5th graders, and our families look forward to this day every year. The students study the Civil War time period and choose their historical figure to research and write their own speeches to perform in character at the Lincoln Heritage Museum.” Phillips noted her appreciation to the Lincoln Heritage Museum in assisting the students. “They spend time with our students to get them ready for their big day!" “I am always impressed with the tremendous effort these students bring to their presentations and I encourage everyone to come and watch these young scholars in action,” Keller added.

Admission to the Lincoln Heritage Museum is free during the Civil War History Walk, and the public is invited to watch and enjoy the presentations.