Project Overview

Out of the Margins is a project inspired and driven by our students. Year after year, as students read. Esperanza Rising, and learn about human rights, they listen to stories of people who had to struggle to be seen in this world. Old Sturbridge Academy is on the site of a living history museum. Students began to notice that even in the museum, some stories were missing. They decided to research and learn about marginalized groups in the early 1800s, and create a book to give to the museum, so that a more complete history could be told. Each class in the school created a page in this zine, using their research, writing and art to share stories of underrepresented groups, celebrate the contributions of marginalized people, and amplify the voice of those who have been silenced. In their quest to understand the past, they hope to change the future. This project was presented at the 2022 EL Education National Conference, and students gifted attendees with a copy of this book.