A Bright Future for History Starts Here

Collage of student volunteers.

Throughout the past year, we have had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of student volunteers at Rocktown History. While students lend their talents to us every year, 2024 was special—not only for the sheer number of young people who participated but also for the incredible energy, ideas, and passion they brought with them.
 
33 enthusiastic and creative young people joined us in Dayton, including:

  • Trinity and Greyson, JMU 2024 graduates, who spearheaded research and script writing for a new Experiencing Historic Dayton audio tour, an upcoming Historic Dayton Triangle partner project.
  • Ben, home on summer break from Virginia Commonwealth University, who researched historic stock certificates, in response to one of the many individual queries that Rocktown History receives throughout the year.
  • Brooklyn, a local homeschooler, who transformed her interest in public history and Dayton’s past into a routine of helping with digitization, artifact research, and other projects that provide resources for people like you.

What makes our student volunteers remarkable is their ability to breathe new life into the stories and events of the past, even though they are generations removed. As digital natives, they are naturally “wired” for innovation—introducing ideas that can transform how history is preserved and experienced. Whether through providing technical expertise for live-streamed programs or reimagining social media outreach, their fresh perspectives are helping to reshape the way we connect with our community.
 
At Rocktown History, we see every student volunteer as a potential leader in history education or nonprofit impact. Hosting them is both an opportunity and a responsibility—to inspire, equip, and guide them to carry history forward in ways that matter. Even if they never pursue history-related careers, their time with us will have undoubtedly laid a foundation of respect and care for the past.
 
We believe student volunteers will grow into citizens who meaningfully engage with the world around them and who understand why history matters.
 
And we can’t wait to see what these bright minds will do next!