Hidden Newspaper Articles – Gem of the Week: School Exhibition Reports
Ever wondered how your ancestors participated in their communities beyond the classroom roll call?
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many local papers reported school exhibitions, commencements, and public recitations. These articles often listed every student who spoke, sang, or won an award—sometimes with parents or teachers named, too.
Where to Find Them:
Look in the “Local News,” “Educational,” or “Town and School” sections, especially around spring or summer. Smaller papers frequently printed long lists of participants, grades, and honors—rich snapshots of early education and local pride.
What You’ll Discover:
Names of children and teens who rarely appear elsewhere, clues about family literacy and schooling, and details that show how a family valued education. These pieces often reveal multi-generational connections—siblings performing together or cousins mentioned side-by-side.
Why It Matters for Genealogy:
A short mention in a school exhibition report can help you trace childhood years between census records and uncover where a family lived, who taught their children, and how deeply they were woven into their hometown life.
If you’ve ever wondered how your ancestors’ lives looked between birth and marriage, search for “school exhibition” or “commencement” in old newspapers—your ancestor’s name may be there, printed with pride.
Examples:
