Salisbury Students Showcase Projects Ahead of Troutbeck Symposium

A group of students from Salisbury School presented their history projects at the Scoville Memorial Library on February 26, 2024. This event offered a preview of their work ahead of the upcoming Troutbeck Symposium, which is scheduled to take place from April 22 to April 24 at Troutbeck in Amenia, New York.

Student Presentations Highlight Historical Topics

During the presentation, the students showcased various topics related to local history. Rhonan Mokriski, the students’ teacher, addressed an audience of approximately 20 people. He reminded attendees that the projects are still in development and encouraged constructive feedback to help refine their work before the symposium.

Among the students, Connor Wambach and Liam Gregory explored the impact of the Salisbury iron industry on the environment. They presented a clip from a video interview with Star Childs from Great Mountain Forest, although the audio was noted to be faint by audience members, prompting helpful feedback.

Rocco Famularo focused on Alexander Hamilton‘s connection to Salisbury, detailing how he, with assistance from local historian Jean McMillen, traced Hamilton’s activities in the area during 1797, potentially involving survey work or real estate transactions.

Additionally, Ben Van Wormer and Luke Feller presented on Sherm Chase’s horizontal windmill located at the South Kent School. They shared insights from a video interview with historian Marge Smith, who recounted her childhood memories of the windmill, situated on the hillside overlooking Hatch Pond.

Encouraging Feedback and Community Engagement

Charlie Merk discussed indigenous whaling practices, while Oliver Ayer addressed the topic of midwifery. The students engaged the audience with their findings and welcomed suggestions for improvement.

At the end of the event, all participants posed for a group photo, celebrating their efforts and camaraderie. As the presentation concluded, attention shifted to the pizza that had been provided, fostering further discussion and connection among attendees.

This event not only highlighted the students’ dedication to historical research but also emphasized the importance of community involvement in education, setting the stage for an engaging Troutbeck Symposium.