Walking through history

Each fall, fourth graders at Voorheesville Elementary School take a walk back in time — literally.

As part of their unit on local history, students visit the New Scotland Historical Society, see a presentation from the New Scotland town historian and take a walking tour of the Village of Voorheesville.

Students also have the opportunity to meet the mayor and learn about their local government.

Earlier this school year more than 100 students, parents and teachers took part in the annual field trip. The walking tour was led by fourth-grade teacher Tim Mattison.

"It really resonates with the kids," said fourth-grade teacher Tim Mattison, who led the walking tour. "Students learn the history behind historic houses, businesses and other places in town."

Students learn things like the fact that Motts used to have an apple juice factory in the area, and the gazebo in the center of town was designed to resemble the roof of a train station that was once nearby.

Mattison said he teaches students about the importance of rail lines to the town, and they begin to understand how the area has changed through history.

"I think they really enjoy learning the history behind the things they walk past everyday," he said.