Second graders at Maryville Elementary School have been studying how Maryville became a community.
Teacher Michele Sheahan partnered with Maryville Heritage Museum Committee Chairman Mike Picchioldi to bring the past into the school for students to immerse themselves in the mining history of Village of Maryville, IL.
Mr. Picchioldi visited with 2nd grade students to shared information about how the Village of Maryville was named and the Maryville Donk Brother’s Mine #2.
“The students were intrigued and full of questions as Mr. Picchioldi not only shared images, but also a few artifacts from the museum’s collection, such as a miner’s cap with a carbide lamp, lunch pail, chunk of coal and train glass,” said Sheahan.
Upcoming visitors will include Maryville Mayor Craig Short and Charlotte Knapp from the Collinsville Historical Museum.
“As a result of our investigation into Maryville’s past, we have realized that there are gaps in the photo history of our community. We are asking for help in filling these gaps as we begin a digital archive that will be used by our school and by the Maryville Heritage Museum,” according to Sheahan.
“We are looking for photos or items that show Maryville in its early years. Our areas of interest right now are: mining, farming, the businesses, streets and buildings, transportation, baseball….. but we are not limited to these areas. If you have something you feel may be of interest please feel free to share.”
If you can help with the Maryville History project, contact teacher Michele Sheahan at [email protected]..