On Monday, January 28, 140 freshmen students from Nokomis Regional High School visited the Stewart Library Building in Corinna. The field trip is part of an interdisciplinary project at the school on the past, present, and future of our communities. Students and teachers from across the curriculum areas are involved.

In two groups, the student came to tour the building including the basement, the public library, the Levi Stewart Private Library Museum, the town office and the second floor auditorium.

In the basement, Bill Condon described the nature of the building and its infrastructure. Students learned of the renovation project and the community support for the preservation of the facility. They viewed the historic jail cells and the new special collections room. They heard a description of the EPA cleanup of the woolen mill, drastic changes in the town these people are too young to remember.

The tour continued on the first floor with a visit to the rooms of the Stewart Free Library. In the town office, Town Manager, Serena Bemis-Goodall spoke to the groups about town government and the building. Town Treasurer, Tony Bennett and Town Clerk, Pam Parlee described their work in the town office.

Each group entered the Levi Stewart Private Library Museum to view the book collection, the exhibits and graphic displays. Jim Louder spoke of Levi Stewart’s legacy to the town, the role the building plays in the history of Corinna, the value of the book collection in its entirety, and the development of the museum project.

Then the group went to the second floor auditorium to view the room, examine poster displays, and hear about the many ways the auditorium has been important to the town. Gary Dorman discussed the Levi Stewart Community Theater productions, inviting them to participate. He also spoke of how they can make a difference in their own communities through civic involvement. Selectman James Emerson also spoke to the groups about government and the importance of taking part in their own communities.

We have high praise for the teachers and students. “The field trip was well organized and the kids were great.” They asked many good questions. One presenter said, “They were all excited about everything, especially about the old books, the jails, and the theater aspect. It was a fun experience.” Teachers involved with the project expressed an interest in making this field trip an annual event.