SEVENTH GRADERS EXPERIENCE HISTORY AMONG THE TOMBSTONES

Hands covered with shaving cream, students called out that they had found something interesting -- the tombstone of an infant who died more than a century ago.

A group of seventh-graders from L.J. Schultz Middle School visited Old Lorimier Cemetery Tuesday and another group is scheduled to visit the cemetery today as part of their lessons on genealogy.

The youngsters smeared shaving cream onto the faces of the tombstones in an effort to better read the epitaphs. They also used paper and chalk to make rubbings of a few headstones.

Student Julie McGowen said while she has been to cemeteries before, this was the first time she actually looked at the headstones.

"We found a couple founders of some local churches," she said, "and a lot of unmarked graves."

Terri Lilly said, "There are a lot of little babies buried out here and that's sad."

Caroline Eom said: "This is the most interesting field trip we've been on this year. We actually get to do stuff, grave rubbings and shaving cream. There are a lot more graves here than I expected."

Teacher Carolyn Ford, who coordinates the gifted program at Schultz, said students are learning about genealogy and genetics.

"We have been introducing them to different avenues they can go through to find out their family history," Ford said.

Students have visited the Cape Girardeau Public Library and the genealogy library at the Church of Latter Day Saints.

Diana Steele, a local genealogist, has been helping with the project. Steele has shared stories of her own search for family history.

"Hopefully they will leave with a better idea of their identity, where they come from," Steele said.

She also hopes to spark an interest in family history for the youngsters. "Most kids this age roll their eyes at grandparents when they hear stories. If they would only listen they could learn so much."

The trip to the cemetery included a few lessons on local history and the people buried at Old Lorimier, provided by sextant Terrell Weaver. He also discussed the problem of vandalism at the cemetery and efforts to maintain the tombstones.

As students inspected the tombstones, they also discussed the effects of wind and weather and time on the stones.

Ford said at the same time students are learning how to do genealogy research, they have begun to do some research into their own family histories.

"I've had some find something old in the basement or attic. Now I think it means a little more."