Fourth grade students have been stepping back in time during their literacy lessons to explore the history of communities and schools. During their lessons students have been studying how schools have changed over time, from one room school houses to current models. As a part of this literacy unit, Franklinville students had the opportunity to have a special visit from Lowell McKay Whatley, a local history and genealogy librarian at the Randolph County Public Library.

To prepare for the visit, students used their prior knowledge from literacy lessons to develop interview questions around the history of Franklinville Elementary and the town of Franklinville. These questions led to deep conversations around how Franklinville has changed over time. Students were intrigued by pictures and stories that Mr. Whatley shared, comparing the differences and similarities between "then and now" and how advances in technology have impacted research to explore historical events and places.

Mr. Whatley, a former mayor of Franklinville and current Franklinville Town Council member, shared his passion for the history of the town of Franklinville and the school. During his presentation, students had the opportunity to explore this history through primary and secondary sources, including viewing books that are over 100 years old. 

Through this visit, students were provided with an opportunity to discover the history of their community through personal connections of the Franklinville community. Thank you to Mr. Whatley for sharing his knowledge and the time he shared with our students to build meaningful connections between the classroom and the history of the town they call home.