Each year the St. Clair County Historical society provides an opportunity for fourth graders from schools in the county to research and present projects based on Alabama’s historical events.

Carol Manning, St. Clair Historical Society History Fair Chairman, said it’s a tradition the organization has carried on for approximately 30 years.

Manning said most students choose to do their project on a St. Clair topic like the Looney House, but some focus on figures and locations outside of the county such as Helen Keller or the Huntsville Space & Rocket Center.

“They have to do a narrative with their project and I love reading those. I learn something new every year. There’s always something new to learn, somebody always comes up with something different” said Manning.

Her favorite fact she’s learned from a student is that “Popeye,” the animated sailor, technically was “born” in Alabama because he originated on one of the boats that went down the Coosa River. She learned this from a project dedicated to Alabama paddle boats.

The projects are judged at each school and individually given first, second and third place awards. Each of these awards is accompanied with a monetary prize and a ribbon.

The first-place winners from each school have the opportunity to have their project entered into county-wide judging. They are then also eligible for first, second and third place awards.

These winners will also receive a money prize and a ribbon.

Manning said it’s done a lot of good work throughout the years to bring the community together, regardless of age.

“It’s a really good thing, the kids do research on their project. One thing I like about it is that it bridges the generational gap because a lot of times they will go interview their grandparents or other local citizens,” said Manning.