Project Information

Welcome to the
Saint Joseph Grade 5
Local Historical Monuments Exploration!

This project was recognized by the SHOPA Foundation for Educational Excellence for its creativity and innovation and will be shared with educators around the world through a Best Practices Guide.

Project Objectives:
The fifth grade Social Studies curriculum includes a study of the local history. The Local Historical Monuments Exploration will address two essential questions:

1) Why are historical monuments built?
2) What are some local historical monuments?

Students will identify reasons for which monuments are constructed and recognize a society's need to remember and honor its historical figures and events.

Project Description:
The Local Historical Monuments Exploration took an entirely new, student
directed approach to researching Meriden’s history. Students asked questions and found answers to uncover the stories behind our local monuments. No textbook or prepackaged program could possibly lead the way. Students gained knowledge in local history and increased their appreciation of civic involvement.

Students:

Hosted a visit from members of the local VFW chapter to share personal stories behind some of the local war monuments
Hosted a visit from a local historian
Researched, visited, and digitally photographed selected local monuments
Created and published an informative web site that names, describes and illustrates prominent local historical monuments
Identified local historical figures and events worthy of a monument
Constructed and displayed model monuments using a variety of art media to honor worthy local historical figures and events

For more information about this project, please email us at
Saint Joseph School.

Project Purpose	History of Meriden	Meriden City Hall
World War I Monument	World War II Monument	American Civil War Monument
Korean & Vietnam Wars	Spanish American War	Cristoforo Colombo Monument
Marine Corps Monument	Casimir Pulaski Monument	Hubbard Park
Moses Andrew Homestead	Solomon Goffe House	Center Congregational Church
Web Page Authors	Resources	City of Meriden Home Page
Meriden's Traffic Tower	Saint Joseph School	Monument Home Page

May 29, 2000