Pleasant Street Elementary students enjoy opera house exhibit at library

LACONIA — The Pleasant Street School third grade class made a visit recently to The Laconia Public Library to view the Laconia Historical and Museum Society's Exhibition "The Grand Opera Houses of Laconia" during its final days. Three student groups lead by third grade teacher Ellen Ward were introduced to a piece of Laconia's history by LHMS Executive Director, Brenda Kean.

The students began their visit with a theater-related book discussion with Laconia Public Library Children's Librarian, Gail Drucker and then continued on to the Exhibit Hall to learn more about "The Grand Opera Houses of Laconia" - The Moulton Opera House, The Colonial Theater, The Gardens Theater, The Folsom Opera House, Casino Auditorium and The Lakeport Opera House.

"There were many oooh's and ahhh's from the children when I asked them to imagine painting the huge theater drapes, pointing out the details in the images." Kean said. "I think it is so important for our young people to be introduced to our local history ... seeing artifacts from our past first hand gives them a new perspective about history and its importance. I hope that their visit has created a curiosity that will continue into their future."

Laconia Historical and Museum Society hosted an opening reception for their new exhibit "Home Textiles" on Tuesday, September 22, in the Exhibit Hall.