Third grade students explored Jacksonville’s rich history during a recent field trip through Avondale, Riverside, Springfield, and Downtown. Throughout the day, students connected what they had been learning in the classroom to real places in their own city. The trip was led by Drew Haramis, St. Mark’s Campus’ third grade teacher and Jacksonville history expert. At The Merrill House Museum, students toured the fully restored 1903 home, gaining a window into daily life at the turn of the century. One highlight of the visit was seeing a painting that survived the Great Fire of 1901.  Students then visited the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Watchtower, where they stepped inside the room that houses the city’s 911 responders. They watched how emergency calls are received and processed, listened in on a live call, and learned about the complex teamwork required to keep residents safe. At the Old City Cemetery, students searched for tombstones dated 1888, the year Jacksonville experienced a devastating Yellow Fever outbreak. The trip concluded with a tour of City Hall led by Brooks Dame, ESJ graduate and assistant to District 7 Councilman Jimmy Peluso.  The immersive experience brought Jacksonville’s history to life, leaving students with a deeper understanding of the stories that have shaped the city.