May 29, 2008 The Lawrence History Center had sixty-three eighth grade students and four teachers from the Oliver School, Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA. The weather was terrific! The students were able to walk through the Lawrence Common and on to Essex Street to visit the History Center. While studying the history of Lawrence, MA in their classes the students made presentations on a variety of Lawrence - related topics. This field trip was a way of pulling that classroom research together in a visceral way. The students were respectful, curious and attentive. 
The weather was perfect to explore their city's historic mill district and the Essex Company compound buildings. The most compelling part of the tour was the Pemberton Mill site and the history of that disaster. Perhaps as a result of 9/11 disaster, they could relate to a historical calamity like this - the trauma to the victims, survivors and rescue workers. This walk-about allowed the students to connect places with names and to better understand the rich history of their home community, Lawrence, Massachusetts. Again, LHC staff members, Pat Jaysane and Jonathan Smith, did a great job of teaching Lawrence History and being available for any and all questions.