Our Lady's Academy
Accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges

Waltham's Our Lady's Academy brings history to life

Photo Caption: Mitchell Bagnall is George Washington at Our Lady's Social Studies Fair on March 29..

WALTHAM — George Washington casually asks Elizabeth Cady Stanton about the science test tomorrow. Hillary Clinton tells Daniel Boone that soccer practices begin this week.

Time warp? No, it's just famous historical characters mingling seamlessly during the Social Studies Fair at Our Lady’s Academy on March 29.

Grades 3 through 8 researched, studied, and presented their work on everything from state history, countries of the world, to celebrated historical figures. At the center of the Fair was the Hall of Heroes. Entry into this parlor provided visitors an opportunity to chat with renowned legends of history, including Mahatma Gandhi, Harriet Tubman, and more.

Outside the Hall of Heroes, students proudly displayed their cultural heritage. Some wore beautifully embroidered saris, shared authentic dishes like lavash, or explained cultural traditions within their family.

“My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins come to my house to play Tombola – Italian Bingo – on New Year’s Eve,” said John Dooley, a fourth grader. His class also went on to recreate the Ellis Island experience so that students could understand many of the hardships immigrants faced upon entry into the United States.

Other classes demonstrated what they learned about the different U.S. states. A parade of facts about state birds, populations, and industries of the United States of America lined the perimeter of the room.

“Would you like some cheese?” asked the resident Wisconsinite as he related details about his state. A lone lobster was even on hand to participate in the display of the state of Maine.

“I’m ready to go home now,” interjected a tired Ulysses S. Grant at the end of the evening. After all, even an almost-200-year-old president needs his rest.