Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine students study history at Peshtigo Fire Museum

PESHTIGO – On Oct. 6, Barbara Payette’s third graders were elated to take an educational field trip to the Peshtigo Fire Museum in Peshtigo. Funded by the school district, this special experience was the culmination of the students’ community unit of study.

Before the trip, students read and listened to “The Great Peshtigo Fire” by Scott Knickelbine. They learned about the devastating firestorm that occurred on Oct. 8, 1871, the same night as the Great Chicago Fire.

The Peshtigo Fire remains the deadliest wildfire in recorded United States history, destroying communities and everything in its path in less than two hours. Because Peshtigo is located in the county where the students live, learning about this historic event made the experience especially meaningful.

Upon arriving at the museum, students eagerly participated in an educational scavenger hunt. At the cemetery, they read historical displays, practiced their reading comprehension skills and searched for details to answer questions. Inside the museum, they explored artifacts and listened to stories that brought the past to life.

Students also learned about important local landmarks, including the river where people sought refuge from the flames and a famous bridge that was rebuilt in the area.

The learning continued at Badger Park, where students enjoyed a picnic lunch and spent time appreciating the area while discussing the history they had discovered. Connecting their classroom learning to real places in their own community helped students develop a deeper understanding of the people, events and lessons that have shaped their region.

One of the most important takeaways was understanding how the Peshtigo Fire influenced fire prevention and safety practices today.

Students learned about the importance of organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service, Smokey Bear’s fire-prevention message, building codes, fire-safety laws and the development of fire departments. These connections helped students recognize how communities learn from tragedies and take steps to protect people and property.

Students were also fascinated to learn about Wisconsin Governor Lucius Fairchild, who traveled to Chicago, Ill., to assist with relief efforts and did not learn about the full extent of the Peshtigo disaster for several days because the fire had destroyed telegraph lines.

During his absence, his wife, Frances Fairchild, made an important decision to redirect a train carrying supplies to Chicago so that much-needed provisions could reach the devastated communities in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

Payette’s third graders returned with a greater appreciation for their local history and a deeper understanding of how past events continue to influence our lives today. By combining reading, historical investigation, community exploration and meaningful discussion, this field trip brought their unit of study to life in an unforgettable way.

The third graders and their chaperones were incredibly grateful to the school district for providing this wonderful educational opportunity.