2023-2024 Students, Jillian Tait and Molly Vennie teaching 4th graders at Lock 31
By: Briana Blaszczyk
On Thursday May 29, the WAHS Local History Club will be leading its annual 4th grade tours. This event takes the WASD 4th graders through The Lock 31 Canal House, the Dorflinger Factory Museum, and (thanks to the Volunteers in Paupack) the Hemlock Hollow School House in Lakeville. Its purpose is to spark engaging discussions and draw attention to our area’s rich historical heritage. The current advisor, Dr. Amanda Schmalzle, recounts the club’s past, “The Local History Club was championed by Mr. Tom Kennedy who had a vision and passion for local history. He pushed for the club to be formed, and he also picked Mrs. Obermiller as the first advisor. He believed that by using high school students to facilitate the trips as docents, the younger students would learn more. The Local History Club has been hosting the 4th Grade Tours for about 25 years. Mrs. Obermiller, a former high school teacher and current school board member, organized the first trip with the help of the former North Intermediate School Principal, Mr. Tom Kennedy.”
Today, students carry on this sentiment through multiple research projects, field trips, and volunteering experiences. If you are interested in joining, you may contact Dr. Schmalzle [email protected], or visit her classroom, room 110. Local History Club meetings are held every Tuesday morning in her room. On behalf of the Paupack Press we want to thank Dr. Schmalzle for her support and wish the Local History Club luck with this event!
