Edison School in Macomb was transformed into a museum Tuesday morning to showcase notable figures throughout history.
Fifth graders at Edison have been participating in the Wax Museum Project for many years. The program, which once was held in the fifth-grade classrooms, now is held throughout the first-floor hallways, the auditorium and the cafeteria. According to fifth grade teacher Kaitlyn Bagley, six fifth-grade classes, and 120 students, took part in the 2026 event. The fifth grade Wax Museum project has been a longstanding tradition, evolving and improving with each new group of students, according to teacher Kaitlyn Bagley.
'Every year, the project is thoughtfully updated to meet the needs of the students in front of us while continuing to challenge them academically and creatively in meaningful ways,' she shared. 'At the heart of the project is one essential question: 'What historical impact have you made on the world?' From there, students begin a threeweek research journey centered around carefully curated historical figures who have made lasting contributions to society. Our team is very intentional about the figures we include, continually revising the list to reflect individuals whose stories, accomplishments and influence have truly shaped history over time.'
To launch the experience, the fifth-grade teacher team fully immerses students in the project from day one. Students walk into the auditorium to find their teachers frozen on stage completely in character as historical figures. Bagley said that experience immediately sparks curiosity, excitement and inspiration, setting the tone for the learning ahead.
Kyram portrayed Civil Rights Leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When asked why he selected the Rev. King, Kyram said because he was kind and saved the world.
'He did what he could so Black people could be treated right,' he said. 'He was an important leader.'
Everly transformed into Anne Frank because of her mother's love for the book, 'The Diary of Anne Frank.'
'My mom gave it to me to read, and I started to read it and I fell in love with it,' she said. 'I learned that Anne Frank wasn't treated right and she had to hide, and was sent to a concentration camp because she was Jewish.'
Evalin also portrayed another notable female historical figure: Annie Oakley. She chose Oakley because of her love for hunting.
'I really like to hunt, and Annie Oakley really had an influence because a long time ago, girls couldn't even have a gun, and she was famous for her skills,' Evaline explained.
Lidia wants to be an artist, so she turned herself into the French painter Claude Monet, who founded Impressionism.
'He painted water lilies, he had two wives and he died of lung disease,' Lidia shared when asked what she learned about the famous artist.
Noah became Stan Lee, comic book writer and Marvel's creative leader for over 20 years. He picked Stan because he wanted to learn more about him.
'He made more movies than I thought,' Noah said. 'I love Marvel movies, so I wanted to learn more about Stan Lee.'
A poet by any other name … Aubrey selected famed poet Emily Dickinson for her wax museum character.
'I like poems and I liked reading her poems,' she said.
'The Wax Museum integrates many academic standards, including research, informational writing, speaking and listening, presentation skills, reading comprehension and critical thinking. Students participate in a dress rehearsal before culminating in a final performance day where they proudly bring history to life for families, peers, and the community,' Bagley concluded. 'More than anything, we are proud of the growth we witness throughout the process. Students overcome nerves, solve problems, think deeply, and discover strengths they may not have realized they had. Watching them transform into confident storytellers and historians is incredibly rewarding.'
