Discover that teacher inside you, be a docent for West Harmony school

The McHenry County Historical Society is in urgent need of docents to portray one-room schoolteachers at the turn of the century.

The 1895 West Harmony one-room school is available for a two-hour visit by McHenry County third- to fifth-graders.

Students participate in a condensed 1900 school day complete with lessons in arithmetic, reading, penmanship, grammar, history, and games at recess. Times are 9 to 11 a.m., 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the school year.

The opportunity for students to learn in an original country school on the museum grounds is threatened by a lack of teacher volunteers - as a result of retirement or relocation. The good news is that we have an experienced teacher willing to show newcomers the ropes. A West Harmony training workshop is planned for 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8.

Teaching experience is not a requirement; just a love of history and a desire to help expand young minds. Call (815) 923-2267 or email kim@mchenrycountyhistory.org for more information or to register for this free opportunity.

Established in 1963, historical society members, staff and volunteers have more than a 50-year track record rich in preservation and educational contributions to McHenry County. They create learning experiences and events. They focus on local culture, organizational and family history, and collect and care for notable artifacts. The historical society participates in the activities of like-minded organizations throughout McHenry County.

Now you can have a direct hand in that rewarding process.

New volunteer teachers will receive a complimentary one-year historical society membership, with all of its perks, plus the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in a tangible, fun way.

Visit www.gothistory.org or www.facebook.com/McHenryCountyHistoricalSociety/ for more details.