Hartfield’s Third Grade Wax Museum

For weeks, students researched influential leaders, pioneers, inventors, and world changers learning not only the facts of their lives but the character traits that defined them. Then, dressed head to toe as their chosen figure, they stood proudly in “museum” formation as parents and guests entered to explore.

But this museum had a special twist!

Each student had a button placed at their feet with the name of their historical figure. When a guest stepped on the button, they “magically” came to life! Each delivered a memorized speech about their accomplishments and impact. Parents walked from figure to figure, pressing buttons and watching history unfold right before their eyes.

What makes this event even more meaningful is its own history. The Wax Museum has been a Hartfield tradition since the first year. Year after year, third graders step into the stories of those who have gone before them and in doing so, they grow in research skills, public speaking confidence, and an understanding of how individuals can influence the world around them.