Sanibel’s history comes alive for island fourth-graders during annual tour
The Sanibel School’s fourth-graders recently had an opportunity to learn about the island’s history firsthand by taking part in a docent-led tour of the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village.
On May 17, the two classes of about 35 students walked the grounds and learned about Sanibel’s first settlers, the history of the buildings and fun facts about what it was like back in the early days. Teacher Julie Wappes explained that the field trip has been an annual tradition for students for about a decade.
“It’s a really nice opportunity,” she said. “It’s a nice partnership.”
Teacher Laura Wolf, who attended for her first time, agreed.
“It’s just a great opportunity for them to learn about the past,” she said.
Wappes explained that the curriculum goes hand-in-hand with what the museum offers.
“We really in fourth grade focus on Florida history,” she said.
According to Emilie Alfino, executive director of Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, the curriculum mentions Sanibel’s history and the visit helps to bring what the students learned to life.
“The history is really alive and they can really imagine what it was like back then,” she said.
Tour guides Lynne Campean and Clivie Goodwin shared their wealth of knowledge.
Wolf noted that the visit also helps students gain respect for their community.
“It’s important to remember where we came from,” she said.
Anna Howard, the mother of 10-year-old Mimi, volunteered as a parent chaperone for the adventure, along with parents William Horvath, Anna Sampas and John McIntyre. She echoed that sentiment.
“They’re learning the history of where they live and go to school,” Howard said. “It gives them an idea of what happened here and some insight into the past.”
After the approximately hourlong tour, the group returned to the school on their bicycles.
“Any time we take a field trip on the island, we try to ride our bikes,” Wolf said.
Wappes explained that the learning does not stop after the trip. The students are expected to write a reflection piece about the experience, along with thank you notes that are given to the museum.
The museum fittingly displays them in the East Sanibel School for White Children onsite.
Alfino noted that the museum would like to expand its youth outreach.
“We’re trying to work on programming that brings in more children,” she said.
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Free docent-guided tours are at 10:30 a.m., based upon docent availability.
Admission costs $10 for ages 18 and older; children and members are free.
For information, call 239-472-4648 or visit online at www.sanibelmuseum.org.
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is at 950 Dunlop Road.