Round Robin is a lively local history program for fourth graders, hosted by the Historical Societies of Salisbury, Andover, and Webster. Each year, it features visits to all three towns’ Historical Societies. In Salisbury, kids enjoy a guided tour of the Museum, Meeting House, and Old Baptist Cemetery, with a special walk that shares stories of those buried there. The day ends with a picnic lunch and old-fashioned games on the Salisbury Heights Town Green.
The Salisbury Historical Society works to spark young people’s interest in local history. With its Round Robin approach, learning becomes a lively, hands-on experience that’s fun for kids and the adults who join in.
A big thank you to everyone who helps make our Round Robin a success. The kids have a fantastic time, and the teachers always look forward to it.
A heartfelt thanks to all who volunteer as cookie bakers, museum docents, and cemetery characters!!
Volunteers in character
Cindy Owen, Judy Elliot, Lorna Carlisle, & Joe SchmidlAaron, Joe Schmidl, Judy Elliot, Stephanie2019 Jane Cravens, Linda Denoncourt, Dennis Melchin, Maggie Schmidl, Cindy Owen, Joe Schmidl2014 John Kepper, Maggie Schmidl, Dennis Melchin, Laurel MartinLinda Denoncourt, Laurel Martin, John Kepper, Maggie SchmidlThe classes enjoy lunch in the shade.Trying out an old-time gameStarting to get the hang of it.Just about got it2024 Determination led to successThey always linger to talk to Moses Garland (Joe Schmidl) about the musket, a favorite of the day.
Older Round Robin Events
2016 Maggie Schmidl & Gail Henry awaiting the arrival of the first of 3 school buses2013 Maggie & Doc Phillips taking a well-deserved break2011 For quite a few years, Mary Phillips was the dynamo behind our events.2011 Mary Phillips explaining the town’s Hearse2011 Maggie Schmidl as Aurelia Blaisedell2011, Arthur Garvin explained his Civil War Diorama, a favorite stop in the Meeting House2011 Waiting for the last bus on a well-deserved break, Martha Heath, John Kepper, Dennis Melchin, Maggie Schmidl, & Laurel Martin2011 Laurel Martin in character answering questions in the Cemetery Walk2011 Dennis Melchin as the dignified town notable, Reuben TrueAbt 2011, Reuben True and Moses Garland (Dennis Melchin & Arthur Garvin)In 2010,  Dr. Paul LaRaia played the part of a long-deceased physician and stayed perfectly in character when asked about germs. “Germs? What are those? He asked.Penny LaRaia is demonstrating spinning wool.2008 Martha Heath on an unusually warm Round Robin Day, awaiting her student’s arrival
Each year, we hope that the children’s enjoyment of town history day will be memorable for them and, in turn,  flower into a love of history to be passed on to future generations. The fourth grade is the perfect time, as they are filled with curiosity.
Group photos were taken for a few years, and even a song was sung together; however, the schedule became a bit tight and was discontinued.Â
