Teacher Chloe Reierson believes history can feel boring to students because of how it’s taught. She’s determined to change that. At Wilson Middle School, she brings the past to life with historically accurate clothing and artifacts. “When my students can see, touch, and even wear time period-appropriate items, they are more engaged,” Reierson said.
She used a grant from the Appleton Education Foundation to expand another teacher’s collection by adding artifacts from key periods in American history. Her approach to teaching makes history tangible, ensuring students connect with the past in meaningful, lasting ways.
This story first appeared in AEF’s 2024 Report to the Community in March 2025. Review the complete 2024 Report to the Community.
