Third graders at Darlington School brought historical figures they learned about in the classroom to real life as part of the school’s 15th annual Third Grade Wax Museum event.
Students dressed as historical figures, scientists and even in roles such as astronauts and doctors, and presented short speeches and displays in a museum-like setting the morning of Tuesday, April 28. Visitors to the museum could “activate” each student by pressing a button, prompting the students to “come to life” and share their research.
“This wax museum is based on our literacy units that we’ve taught throughout the year, and the kids are representing wax figures,” third-grade teacher Jamie Massey said. “They are playing a role from that unit.”
Students covered important figures across many topics, ranging from animals and the human body to space, Norse mythology and ancient Roman history.
Teachers said the goal is to deepen understanding by making learning interactive and memorable.
“Dive deeper and make those connections, and hopefully it’s an experience that they’ll remember. It makes it real for them to actually take on that role, take on that character, instead of just reading it from a book,” said Massey. “This sort of makes learning concrete and real, and makes it matter.”
Third grade teacher Steve McConnell said the wax museum began more than a decade ago as an alternative to traditional grade-level performances.
“When I first got here back in 2010 ... every grade does a play,” McConnell said. “We wanted something a bit different ... something that involved public speaking, research, technology — all those pieces put together.”
Unlike a typical performance, students are responsible for researching their topic and writing a short speech, about a minute long. They also work with teachers and parents to create costumes and props.
“It’s a big collaborative effort with us and their parents,” said McConnell. “It’s a three- or four-week process to get to do this and do it well.”
The event also helps students build confidence and communication skills they can use in life.
“We think whatever we’ve done here will go on to help them as they go to fourth grade and fifth and middle school and high school,” McConnell said.
The Third Grade Wax Museum has grown into a popular event for the school community. McConnell said many families and high school students remember participating in the event many years ago.
The event had a strong turnout despite stormy weather. Teachers said the enthusiasm from the community and the students’ hard work continue to make the annual event a success.
“If they take away one thing they haven’t known before, then we’ve done a great job,” McConnell said.
This article was originally published in the Rome-News Tribune on April 29, 2026.
