Smithsonian Institute opens at Canajoharie’s East Hill

Curator Jason Smith answers Makenzie Degristina’s questions about old tools on display at the “Museum of Natural History.”

With great excitement, students at Canajoharie’s East Hill School attended the eighth annual opening of the school’s “Smithsonian Institute.”

The institute is the brainchild of second grade teacher Suzanne Duba. Her students collect items for display, create the artwork and signs, and staff the exhibits. The classroom was neatly arranged into several of the various museums that make up the real Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Patrons visited the Washington Zoo, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of American History, the National Gallery of Art, the Air and Space Museum and even the institute’s gift shop.

Curators and caretakers from Mrs. Duba’s class carefully answered questions about the many items on display. The class even provided a security guard to keep an eye on some the more valuable or fragile items.

“Most of the antique items are mine, but the students all try to bring something in for display,” explained Mrs. Duba. “Among the many items lent to the museum this year students were antique spurs, antique toy trains, a large collection of old postcards and several very old toys.”

Caretakers Alexis Harrington and Kayla Nightingale show Lacey Cirtwell the animal exhibits at the “National Zoo.”

Neat rows of desks served as display cases for household items, tools, old toys, models, and fossils. One popular stop was a hand-crank, glass butter churn where students could try their hand at turning fresh cream into butter. The “National Gallery of Art” hosted a large display of student-created art. “This year, the students focus on the work of American folk artist Grandma Moses,” said Mrs. Duba. The chalkboard was covered with student versions of the primitive art.
The extensive project helps students to recognize and explore our nation’s heritage. Students exercise their creativity and explore new interests as they work. Not only do they research their displays, they write, build, organize, draw, paint—all valuable lifelong skills.

“The second graders who visit really look forward to this annual event,” said Mrs. Duba. “It has proven to be a great learning tool for everyone.”

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