Temporary Exhibit

How can we share the changes Dighton buildings have experienced throughout history? This was the guiding question posed to the DES 2nd Grade Class in the spring of 2022.  After an adventure to the Lane County Museum, where they were shown an “empty display,” the second graders were tasked with showcasing historic buildings of Dighton.  The students chose 9 historic Dighton buildings to research in pairs.  Through “expert” interviews and primary sources, the students gathered information to investigate the changes of these historic landmarks.   Using the information gathered, the students created several products for the display you see.  Each pair produced a timeline, photo collage, and narrative piece describing what their building might “say” if it could tell its story.  “If Buildings Could Talk” was inspired by the 1942 children’s book The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.  In the story, The Little House goes through a series of changes throughout the course of time.  As she does this, she “thinks” to herself about the changes she sees- an excellent example of personification.  Using this text example, students were asked to write a personification piece from the point of view of their Dighton Building.   As you admire their hard work, please remember, these are 7 and 8 year olds.  While “fact checking” was done as much as possible, you may find some dates and facts to be inaccurate.  As we strived to report accurate details, at times contradicting information was gathered.  We ask that you view this display with the eye of a child.