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NOV.21, 2025—Thursday night was a night for the Pal-Mac Intermediate School history books, as the school held its first-ever History Fair.

The fair featured research projects from 17 students across grades 3-5, with each setup covering a different topic from throughout history. Displays included everything from D-Day to Amelia Earhart to the creation of the crayon, among others.

To add to the historic nature of the event, the fair was held at the historic Macedon Academy, which was built in 1853.

Third grade teacher Mrs. Karin Thomas arranged the entire event, which included working with both Macedon and Palmyra historians.

But the real inspiration, she says, came from one of her former students, Lucille, a sixth grader at Pal-Mac Middle School. Mrs.Thomas says the whole idea started because Lucille approached her last year with a simple question.

Lucille (right) next to her project

“The Science Fair was great, but why don't we do a History Fair?” Thomas said.

And from there, the rest they say, was history. Lucille was among the several dozen who participated in the fair, as true to her love of history, she presented her own project on food rations during World War II. Mrs.Thomas said Lucille helped bring each project over from PMI earlier in the day and helped set everything up.

Lucille said she’s loved history going back as long as she could remember, and has worked with Mrs.Thomas on several history-related projects in the past. She told us she was excited to see this idea become reality.

“It makes me really happy that Mrs.Thomas started it, and it was a success,” Lucille said. “I thought it would be really fun, so I was wondering if we could do it.”

In addition to the fair display, there was also a scavenger hunt around the academy grounds, as well as a basket raffle. There were also specially-decorated cookies provided by former Pal-Mac teacher Marcia Liberatore. To make the evening more accessible, the entire fair was live streamed on the District’s YouTube page, courtesy of high school teacher, Mr.Kevin Schlegel. During the stream, students introduced themselves and their projects.

Families could also watch the stream from the lower level.

Mrs. Thomas said Macedon Historian Linda Braun and Walworth Historian/Co-Director of the Wayne County Bicentennial Gene Bavis judged the projects. Bavis is Thomas’s retired high school social studies teacher.

Thomas also credits the President of the Macedon Historical Society, Sandy Pagano, and Jeff Orsburn for their efforts to coordinate the event.

At the end of the night, Lucille shared closing remarks, thanking viewers and previewing the weekend ahead.

If you missed Thursday’s fair, the displays will still be available to view at the academy on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

As for the future of the event, Mrs.Thomas says she reached an agreement to rotate the event between Palmyra and Macedon.

[Lucille] not only created an exciting new tradition, but also demonstrated what true leadership looks like,” Thomas said.

A photo gallery from the evening can be found by clicking here.

A full list of awards and projects is below:

Most Original Topic: Caden V. (The Statue of Liberty)

 

Best Use of Primary Sources Peyton S. (9/11)

 

Most Creative Presentation: Ivan A. (History of Crayons)

 

Best Visual Appeal Anna K. (D-Day)

 

The Multiple Perspectives Award: Lane L. (Bubonic Plague), Emma-K-C. (Galileo)

 

The “Relevance Reporter” Award: Grayson S. (Noble Train of Artillery from the Revolutionary War)

 

The “Great Lives” Award: Avery E. (Amelia Earhart)

 

“Our Community’s Past” Award: Jace B. (American Colonists), Juliana B. (Joseph Smith)

 

“Ideas that Changed the World” Award: Ben N.(Road to Electric Cars)

 

“Making Connections” Award: Remy R. (World War II)

 

Historical Accuracy Award: Bryce F. (History of Origami), Kiera M. (Boston Tea Party)

 

Clear Communicator Award: Cameron L. (Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius with Pompeii Life), Calvin Z. (Pearl Harbor)

 

The Founders Award: Lucille V.