By Elizabeth Wulfhorst | Photos by Wendy Morales
MIDDLETOWN – Middletown teachers recently received a lesson about the township’s history during a bus tour of local historic sites. The tour was organized and guided by the Middletown Historic Preservation Commission, an advisory body to the township that fosters awareness and appreciation for the town’s history. Middletown Township is one of the oldest European settlements in New Jersey, with recorded history going back to the 1600s.
“Being able to learn about and explore some of our town’s historical sites provided Middletown educators with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the fascinating history we have right here in our backyards,” said Wendy Morales, supervisor of social studies and technology in the kindergarten through 12th-grade district. “This new knowledge makes our department even more excited to infuse local history into our classrooms, which will ultimately develop our students as active citizens of their communities and the world.”
Matthew Krol, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Thompson Middle School, enjoyed the opportunity to explored Middletown’s history, learning about “the perseverance of women like Penelope Stout who helped settle Middletown (and) men like Joseph Murray, who laid down his life giving birth to our nation.”
“It is important for students to understand their local history and to appreciate the important people and places that have shaped Middletown into what it is today,” added Kathleen Strongarone, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Bayshore Middle School.
To further knowledge of local history, the historic preservation commission and the Middletown Historical Society, an independent nonprofit that preserves and promotes the history of Middletown, have also teamed up to offer an essay contest for middle schoolers, “Middletown’s Impact on History.” One winner from each grade will be awarded $50, courtesy of the Middletown Township Historical Society.
“Middletown has such a rich history, and we hope this contest can spark an interest in some students,” said Linda Maresca, chairwoman of the historic preservation commission. Entries must be sent to MTHPCNJ@gmail.com by Dec. 20. More information and official rules can be found at middletownnjhistory.org.
