The River of History encourages teachers to bring history alive for their students by bringing them through the museum with guided or self-guided tours. Teachers who request a tour date will receive a teachers packet including a DVD of the movie that plays in the museum. The museum is appropriate for all school aged students, and is often visited by elementary school classes.
Students going through the museum can expect to spend up to an hour which leaves plenty of time for other museums or a boat tour during the day. The museum is available any time of the year with reservations and special rates are available for students and their chaperones.
Resources for Teachers (K-2nd)
Younger children love finding the myriad of items on the i-Spy list. The interactive logging display also has clothing (and beards) for the younger crowd to try on to be a part of the history.
Resources for Teachers with older students
For the older students teachers can keep the attention focused with the River of History scavenger hunt. The Fort Brady, Cloverland Electric Cooperative hydro plant, LSSU fishing, and walk-through trappers cabin displays are favorites with students.
Scavenger Hunt Answers (for Teachers)
Resources for Teachers of Homeschoolers
In addition to classroom tours the River of History is an excellent resource for homeschools allowing students to experience part of Michigans history. Homeschool students are invited to come through the museum as part of their history curriculum with many displays bringing the history that they are reading to life.
Susan Schacher Memorial Award
The Sue Schacher Award is given annually during the EUP Regional History Day to a student who demonstrates excellence in a locally themed entry. The winning student is awarded $100 and has their name featured on a plaque displayed at the museum.
Schacher founded and directed the River of History museum and promoted the facility by speaking to many community and service groups. She also held summer “history camps” for area children, hoping to pique their interest in the history of the St. Marys River valley and the area.
Previous winners of this reward have their presentations on the Museum’s YouTube Channel.
2019 Winner
In 2019 Noah Weber, a fifth-grader at St. Mary’s, won the award with the topic of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Past winners include Evan Arbic – JKL Bahwating, Ian Davis – Washington School, Laura Innerebner – JKL Bahwating, Caitlyn Scornaiencki – Washington School and Hunter Clark – Newberry School.
Noah, Keenan, Evan, Ian, Laura, Hunter and Caitlyns names are found on a plaque at the River of History which reads, “Awarded annually to Regional History Day participant who demonstrates attention to historical accuracy, knowledge of historical significance, understanding of the importance of others and their values and beliefs, and creative incorporation of Michigan’s unique history.”