Students Tour Fairbury City Museum

May 2011 – Approximately 54 elementary school children toured the Fairbury City Museum. According to museum curator Art Korte, three groups of students, along with their teachers were taken on a journey through Fairbury’s history, from prehistoric times to present-day life. Museum board members and volunteers were on hand to conduct the 2-hour tour.

Students used their sense of sight and touch to learn about fossils and rocks that detailed the existence of prehistoric animals, sea monsters and plant life that existed in Jefferson County over 300 million years ago. They saw artifacts and tools used by Native American inhabitants before the white man came to the area. They learned about the settlement and development of the Fairbury area in various displays depicting pioneer life. They toured the barn and learned about various implements and tools necessary to work the land, and visited the one-room schoolhouse to see how children used to attend school. Students also saw military artifacts and items from previous wars, teaching them about our country’s defense of freedom.

“It was wonderful to see the children learning about our history and enjoying themselves. They were such a great bunch. It is so important for kids to learn about our history and visiting the museum is a great way to learn and have fun – it was fun for the adults, too!” said Korte.