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K.L.A.S. Kids Make History

In May, 2006, I came to Chambersburg to represent the Commonwealth at the dedication of a historical marker honoring Joseph Winters, an inventor who patented one of the first American fire escape ladders. The marker was dedicated in front of a local fire station, sponsored by local fire companies and an unlikely partner, the children of the local after-school program for at-risk youth. There was a talk given by the fire chief, lots of questions from the kids, the gift of their artwork to the fire department and, of course, refreshments. Afterwords, I thought, “these children made history today. How very rare. Their after-school teachers have opened their students’ eyes to the value of learning local history. I’m going to ask Jim if the group would like to put its work in the State archives.” Today, you can see their work, along with other evidence of the legacy of Joseph Winters, in the State Archives in Harrisburg.

Gregory Moske, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission