Students learn about history in Orillia outside of the classroom

Remembrance Day exhibit on display in Orillia Students got a lesson in history outside of the classroom on Wednesday.

A history lesson took place on Wednesday outside of the classroom in Orillia.

A Remembrance Day exhibit set up inside the city's library offers a chance to learn beyond the history books.

Representatives from the legion and Simcoe County Museum were on-hand to help students get a better idea of what Canadians will be honouring come Remembrance Day.

“They are curious to see what I have on display,” said John Merritt, with the Simcoe County Museum. “They are curious to hear some of the stories about local people who served in World War I and the things that happened to them and people from this area.”

“We put together exhibits and activities - interactive activities - for students and the public, and they come through, and they experience something that maybe they will think about on November 11,” added Jayne Tuvery with the Orillia Public Library.

This is the 10th year this exhibit has been put on display and teachers say the lessons learned are invaluable.

“There is only so much you can do with technology and books and screens, so actually getting to the library and seeing the artifacts and hearing from some of the collectors is a real valuable experience for some of the students,” noted teacher Dan Henderson.

And the students were treated to a meet and greet with George Ferguson, who landed on Juno Beach nine days after the historic D-Day in 1944.

“I like talking to them, and it makes it interesting for me that they are interested in what we did, so that’s a big part of it,” said the 100-year-old veteran.

The exhibit is free to the public and will be on display until Saturday at 4 p.m. Sadly, after 10 years of offering the exhibit, this will be its last in Orillia.