Dear St. Elizabeth’s Community,

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending our 4th through 8th grade Black History Museum, and I was absolutely blown away. Walking through the Great Hall, I saw our students bring history to life—sharing the stories and accomplishments of Black scientists, leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and even action heroes with confidence, knowledge, and passion. 

The Black History Museum was the culmination of weeks of research and preparation in their Social Justice Studies classes with Mr. Brian Jackson. Working in small groups, students dug deep into the lives and contributions of the figures they selected. They crafted engaging presentations, designed visual displays, and some even embodied their historical figures to share their impact in creative and interactive ways. One project about Wally Amos of Famous Amos cookies, by 4th graders Clara B. and Jae E., had a secret pop-up oven built into their display board complete with samples of the famous bite-size cookie and homemade ones for visitors to compare.

What struck me most was the sense of ownership our students had over their learning. They weren’t just reciting facts—they were making connections, drawing inspiration, and helping all of us see how the past continues to shape the present. I watched as younger students and adults alike engaged with each exhibit, asking questions, learning something new, and leaving with a sense of admiration for the individuals highlighted.

At St. Elizabeth’s, we believe in hands-on, immersive learning experiences that spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking. Yesterday’s Black History Museum was a shining example of this. It reminded us that history isn’t just something we read about—it’s something we can step into, engage with, and carry forward.

Thank you students for your hard work, your enthusiasm, and your commitment to telling these important stories. To our families: thank you for supporting and encouraging the kind of learning that makes a lasting impact. And a HUGE shout out to Mr. Brian Jackson for helping our students learn about Black history and that they create their own paths if something stands in the way.

I hope everyone left the museum feeling as inspired as I did.

Best foot forward,

Adriana Murphy
Head of School