This is the second year the museum has hosted students recreating stories of significant Norway, Vulcan, Loretto and Waucedah area residents.

More than 50 students of Mary Beth Paul’s and Allen Trudeau’s classes, dressed in costume, took their places among the museum exhibits as well as outside on the grounds.

When visitors Tuesday stepped on a star with the name of a historical figure, the student portraying that person would come to life. Otherwise, students would have to stay still, like a “wax” figure.

Jo Anne Sternhagen, a Museum Partners member, introduced the idea last year after hearing about a similar program at her grandchild’s school in Indiana.

GAGE VIVIO PLAYED his great-grandfather, George DeRidder of DeRidder’s Grocery in Norway, for the “live wax museum” presentation. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“As part of Partners, we are always looking for new things for our museum. I thought this would be a great way to get our youth involved in local history,” Sternhagen said.

She took the idea another step with the “live wax museum,” using local historical figures.

I said yes,” Paul said of the concept. “I’m so glad she shared this wonderful idea with me — the kids love it.”

Museum members created a list of figures and businesses from history: David Asp, U.F. Asselin, John Aune, Brisson Sawmill, Christenelli Dry Good, George DeRidder, Dianne Gendron, Don “Punky” Hill, Dr. Boyd Kelley, August Lofholm, Ed Meneghini, August “Jake” Menghini, the Odill family, Oscar Peterson, Plotecher Farm, Prince Albert’s Bar, Lillian Solomonson, Rosemary VanPeymbrock, Sue Gedvick and Robert Danielson, a World War II veteran.

After students selected who they wanted to study, they were then able to interview family members and even some of the people themselves.

McKinnley School teacher Lillian Solomonson, portrayed by Chloe Patton, seated, and Jordyn Moln at the “live wax museum” presentation. Jordyn’s grandmother, Eunice Moln, right, had Solomonson as a teacher. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

A couple of interviews who were not family-related included John Gallino, who played under Coach Don “Punky” Hill, and Sternhagen, who had already researched and talked to family members.

“This activity helped the kids make connections to people and places that they didn’t know existed,” Paul said. “It made them take a genuine interest in their hometown and the people who influenced it.”

Jordan Moln, who portrayed former McKinnley School teacher Lillian Solomonson, said she loved learning about her town history, especially about Solomonson, who her grandmother, Eunice Moln, had as a teacher.

Chloe Patton, who also portrayed Solomonson, added she loved talking to everyone who knew her.

Coach Don “Punky” Hill was portrayed by Kaleb LaPine and Tessa Castelaz.

Kaleb LaPine comes to life as Don “Punky” Hill, a successful basketball coach for Norway Schools, after Kim Wright steps on the star with the name he represents at the "live wax museum" presentation. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“It’s a fun way of learning,” LaPine said. “I found out great information, like how great of a teacher and coach he was.”

“I loved learning about his life and coaching career,” Castelaz added about Hill. “He won many titles in a short period of time.”

Emma Wright, who researched the Plotecher Farm, said she picked this topic because she loves farming.

“I also had so much fun doing the research and interviewing people,” Wright said.

Gage Vivio was able to impersonate his great-grandfather, George DeRidder, who owned DeRidder’s Grocery Store.

Noah Pearson speaks about the life of former Norway Police Chief Ed Meneghini at the "live wax museum" presentation. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“It was pretty fun hearing about him from other relatives,” Vivio said. “I found out so much about him I didn’t know before.”

Jessa Rossler portrayed U. F. Asselin, owner of Asselin’s Creamery. “I liked everything about the project — from doing the research to dressing to presenting to the public,” she said.

Some of the most interesting facts she learned, she added, was how Asselin’s Creamery in Norway made 1,000 gallons of ice cream and 5,000 pounds of butter.

“The museum feels so fortunate to have these teachers who are interested in help preserving the knowledge of local history,” Museum Director Cris Hamlin said. “This is a great educational and fun presentation to offer to the public.”

They definitely plan to do this again next year, Paul said.