HOLDEN, Mass. — Last Friday, Holden Christian Academy was transformed into 1893 Chicago, and students gave life to historical figures like Annie Oakley, Hellen Keller, and John Phillip Sousa as they roamed about the city to explore the variety of exotic exhibits on display at the World's Fair.

The World's Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago in 1893 as a celebration of the 400th anniversary since Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World, and for the students, the re-enacted celebration was the culmination of the entire school's study of the same portion of history this school year.

"The Chicago World's Fair brought together everything they've been learning about industry and economy, and fashion and family — everything," said Principal Susan Hayward. "Half the people in our nation went to this fair, so it was a huge event for the people in the United States and the world, so by re-enacting this, it gives us a chance to put all our learning to use and to have fun."

Two rooms in the school were transformed to recreate the World's Fair, with the neo-classical White City's buildings hosting fascinating exhibits such as on agrictulture, government, and transportation, and Midway offering visitors an assortment of multicultural food, activities and virtual rides on the original Ferris Wheel.

Students were adorned in beards, spectacles and other period costumes, and had the opportunity to mingle and learn about each other's characters and their great contributions to the world.

"I love to see the kids really getting into their role and enjoying it, stepping into history and talking to one another like they are their charachters," said Hayward. "They've been doing it for weeks, so that makes me happy when their names roll of their tongue and they start to really look at these historical figures as real life human beings."

Hayward said she hoped the re-enactment would give the students something memorable to hang the year's lessons on.

"What I want them to have is a memory for context for all of this, and a memory for enjoying your childhood and enjoying learning, and that history is fascinating and that you can really enjoy learning it in a fun way,"