At Albion schools, service learning isn't an unfamiliar phrase, especially at Carl I. Bergerson Middle School. Over the years, students have had the unique opportunity to work closely with local organizations and get involved with projects that directly benefit the Albion community. This form of learning allows students to take an experiential approach to their studies while familiarizing themselves with community service and volunteerism at an early age.
This year, eighth graders Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders partnered with Orleans County historian Catherine Cooper to spearhead a Revolutionary War soldier research project in conjunction with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. With guidance from their teacher, Tim Archer, they worked to obtain cemetery roadside markers, gravestone flag markers and replace a damaged headstone. In completing these tasks, students were able to expand their knowledge of local history, meet local dignitaries, and familiarize themselves with interconnectivity of county and state-run organizations.
NYS roadside markers indicate areas of historical significance in the county. To be granted these markers, valued at $2,050 each, they had to submit an application to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a nonprofit committed to preserving community history. The application process is lengthy, requiring detailed primary source documentation and proofs. This did not intimate Luci and Sutton. They began their research in the summer, which entailed collecting data of all Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Orleans County using state, federal, military and census data. Their research was not confined to the library, it also relied heavily on field work.
"There are not many eighth graders that can say they have worked on a project quite like this where they had a hand in preserving local history," said Archer. "These girls have done the legwork, going out to the cemeteries, cross referencing the name lists and finding the graves. It's really impressive."
There are 80 cemeteries in Orleans County, with revolutionary war soldiers buried in more than half. They visited a dozen cemeteries and referenced historical data and gravesite maps to compile their findings in order to submit the roadside marker application in September. Once approved, the new markers went into production so they are ready to be installed in the spring. There were four roadside markers granted; one indicating that Revolutionary War veterans and other notable citizens are buried there, and three indicating a Revolutionary War soldier is buried there. Two of them have a special insignia on them indicating partnership with the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
"It feels really good to help the community," said Luci. "We have even been able to figure out where some soldiers are buried and inform families that didn't know."
The project didn't halt there. While conducting field research, they discovered a damaged headstone that belonged to Lott Swift, a Revolutionary War soldier who is buried at the East Barre Cemetery. With support from the Town of Barre, students were able to apply for a new stone through the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C.. They were granted the headstone, which will be installed along with the markers in the spring.
While researching, students discovered 14 graves in the county of soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War that were not currently marked. Students presented their findings to the Orleans Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who then generously provided a donation of 14 new bronze flag markers, one for each soldier's grave.
In total, they discovered about 65 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Orleans County. Many headstones are gone or indecipherable, so the findings are approximate. The results will be shared with the county, DAR, SAR, local historians and Hoag Library for their records.
"I'm just glad that we were able to help identify some of the soldiers' graves and get the markers for them," said Sutton. "It feels like we are doing something for them, after all they did for us."
Students will do the honor of installing the flag markers in the spring. In the meantime, they will help facilitate the installation of the roadside markers and help prepare for the student-organized spring ceremony which will take place at the Pierce-Smith Pioneer Cemetery in the Town of Murray, where two of the roadside markers will be located. Both Revolutionary War and Civil War reenactors will be present, as well as local officials and community members where they will honor those who have served, while celebrating our country's 250th anniversary. More information to follow.
Pictured, from left, are Patrice Birner (Orleans Chapter DAR), Luci Borello, Sutton Sanders, Barre Highway Superintendent Dale Brooks (who will install the headstone), Kirk Mathes (the cemetery was originally part of the Mathes farm and named the Roy Mathes cemetery), and Barre Town Supervisor-elect Steve Coville (the town helped with the application).
Luci and Sutton doing field research during the summer.