Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County launching elementary education program

QUINCY — The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County is launching a new program for elementary students in Quincy and the surrounding area beginning in February.

Based at the History Museum on the Square at 332 Maine, the program will offer mini-courses on three topics: The Underground Railroad, History of Quincy and Quincy Artifacts.

Approximately 650 students from Quincy area public schools, parochial schools, Teen Reach and The Freedom School will be attending the sessions this month. The goal of the program is to educate students about the history of Quincy. The format comprises a combination of visuals, lectures, storytelling and question-and-answer sessions, with each mini-course led by a museum docent or trained volunteer.

Each course leader will discuss different artifacts and provide a personal viewpoint on the exhibits. Artifacts expected to be displayed include a player piano, an authentic Knapheide wagon, military uniforms from the Quincy militia and the weather vane from the original Quincy train station.

Another highlight of the program will be the new Underground Railroad exhibit and a discussion of its importance to February’s Black History Month.

The new programming is being coordinated by HSQAC Education Committee chair Cecil Weathers, former educators, and society volunteers.

In a press release, Weathers said, “It is so important that our youths know and learn how Quincy played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad and the Mormon journey. We hope to share this experience for years to come.”