Belmont Hills’ Wax(less) Museum brings history to life

Museums can be incredibly interesting and educational. A wax museum is most often thought to be fun and entertaining, giving you a chance at seeing celebrities, pop culture icons, and historical figures up close and personal.

At Belmont Hills Elementary School the students got a bit of both worlds, minus the wax. The school’s third graders recently “stepped into the shoes of some of history’s most influential figures during their annual Wax(less) Museum,” reported a release from the Lower Merion School District.

“The activity was the culmination of a weeks-long research project in which students explored the lives of writers, scientists, athletes, artists, activists, adventurers, political leaders and others to better understand the impact they made on the world, the obstacles they overcame and the legacies they left behind,” said the release. 

Looking and acting the part was only the beginning for these hard working students.

“After researching, writing and memorizing their mini-biographies, students delivered speeches for classmates, teachers and visiting family members throughout the day while dressed as their chosen historical figures,” said the LMSD release. “The Bulldogs also explored childhood influences, included famous quotations and, in some cases, highlighted the hopes these individuals had for future generations.”

Educators said that the unique project helps students take the lessons of the classroom and make them far more memorable than a lecture or report.

“Projects like the Wax(less) Museum offer students a unique opportunity to bring their learning to life. Rather than simply reading about historical figures, students are challenged to research their subjects closely, identify the most important moments and accomplishments from their lives, and communicate that learning clearly in their own words,” said the district. “In doing so, they strengthen key academic skills such as reading comprehension, writing, research and public speaking.”

The project also encouraged a deeper level of learning, promising lessons some will remember for life.

“The experience also encourages students to think more deeply about the people they study,” said the district. “By exploring the obstacles these individuals faced, the choices they made and the impact they had on the world, students gain a more meaningful understanding of history and the human stories behind it.”

For a full photo gallery of the event, visit the district’s site here.