Members of the Junior Historic Amsterdam League (JHAL) recently participated in two community events that allowed students to explore Amsterdam's history while developing their research, leadership and communication skills.
On Oct. 23 and 24, JHAL members volunteered at the annual Ghosts of the Past Cemetery Tour at Green Hill Cemetery. Students assisted with event logistics, while two members, Millie Barrow and Ian Ossenkop, took on acting roles to bring stories from Amsterdam's past to life.
Ahead of the event, JHAL students also helped clean the gravestones of individuals whose stories were featured during the tour.
The annual event welcomes more than 300 participants to Green Hill Cemetery, providing community members with an opportunity to learn about Amsterdam's history through storytelling and historical reenactments.
On Oct. 26, JHAL hosted an evening of local ghost stories at the Amsterdam Free Library. The event generated significant community interest, reaching full capacity less than 24 hours after registration opened.
JHAL members researched, wrote and presented 10 ghost stories rooted in Amsterdam's history to a full audience of community members.
Students were recognized for their historical research, storytelling abilities and public speaking skills as they shared stories from the city's past.
Both events provided JHAL members with opportunities to apply their skills beyond the classroom while connecting with the community. Through historical research, volunteer work and public presentations, students demonstrated leadership and communication skills while helping preserve and share Amsterdam's local history.