StM News

Sophomores in Mr. Stephen Rice’s English classes welcomed Meredith Melançon, esteemed public historian and recipient of the Theresa Allen Award for Service to Public History. Known for creating “The Solomon Northup Trail” on the Acadiana Historical app, she brings history to life through immersive research and storytelling.

With Ms. Melançon’s guidance, students dove deeper into “12 Years a Slave,” the 1853 memoir of Solomon Northup, by examining primary source documents, such as ship manifests, probate records, and census data, exploring the digital trail, and engaging in hands-on archival work. Through curiosity, inquiry, and deep historical engagement, students were able to connect directly to Louisiana history by analyzing real archival records and exploring the local sites that shaped Solomon Northup’s story.