Girl Scout Brownie Troop explores history at Hamilton East Public Library’s Crossroads Discovery Station

By POOJA THAKKAR
For The Reporter

This week, the Girl Scout Brownie Troop 2167 had the opportunity to visit the Hamilton East Public Library and explore its newest community resource, the Crossroads Discovery Station. This innovative space is dedicated to connecting the community with the rich history of Hamilton County, offering a unique blend of education and engagement.

The meeting began with a read-aloud session of the book Fancy Nancy: My Family History, presented by Ann Grilliot, the Assistant Manager at the Crossroads Discovery Center. During the story, the girls learned that every family has a unique history, traditions, and special stories worth sharing. This engaging introduction set the tone for the day’s activities.

David Heighway, County Historian and genealogy expert, guided the girls through an insightful tour of the Crossroads Discovery Station. They explored Hamilton County’s history through time, learning about how the past has shaped the community we know today. The girls discovered how old images and documents act as pieces of a puzzle, helping them dig deeper into historical events and stories. They also heard about the importance of oral history, preserving stories to maintain facts and family traditions for future generations.

The tour included hands-on lessons about ancestry and tools for discovering one’s roots. The girls learned to create oral histories and explored the library’s digital media labs and print lab, which provide unique resources for preserving family stories in creative ways. From digitizing old photos to crafting multimedia narratives, these labs empower visitors to tell their family stories in their own unique ways.

Tradition of family crests & earning badges

As part of their Girl Scout journey, the troop engaged in an activity designed to help them earn their Girl Scout Brownie “My Family History” and “Family Crest” badges. The girls explored the tradition of family crests, symbols historically used to represent a family’s identity and heritage. Each girl was provided with materials to take home and design her own family crest, incorporating colors, symbols, and elements that reflected her family’s unique values and traditions, incorporating colors, symbols, and elements that reflected her family’s unique values and traditions. This hands-on activity encouraged them to think about their roots and celebrate what makes their families special.

To further connect with their heritage, the girls received supplies to create family trees at home, sparking meaningful conversations about family traditions and histories with their loved ones. At the end of the meeting, the girls were given an activity to complete at home with their loved ones: finishing their “My Story Tree” and their family crest. This take-home project not only extended the learning experience but also promoted family engagement as the girls worked alongside their families to uncover and preserve their unique stories.

The Hamilton East Public Library’s Crossroads Discovery Station proved to be an invaluable resource for this exploration of history and storytelling. By connecting with Hamilton County’s rich historical background, the troop was able to see how the past shapes the present and inspires the future. The interactive exhibits, digital media labs, and print resources offered endless possibilities for community members of all ages to delve into their own histories and create meaningful stories.

This experience highlights the power of storytelling as a bridge to the past, bringing families closer together and inspiring a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage. We encourage the community to take advantage of this remarkable resource to explore their roots, preserve their stories, and stay connected to Hamilton County’s vibrant history. The Crossroads Discovery Station is a treasure trove of tools and knowledge, waiting to inspire the next generation of storytellers.

Photos provided