NORWICH – Students at Morrisville State received a surprise recently when they showed up for history class. In place of their instructor was an eighth grade student from Norwich Middle School, who spent the next two hours and twenty minutes discussing the history of Norwich industries.
Thirteen year old John Antonowicz developed an interest in Norwich history after visiting the Chenango County Historical Society with his grandmother when he was 11. Soon he began volunteering at the historical society, and in his time there, he has helped compile information on his favorite topic, businesses that were once part of Norwich. “I’m especially interested in industries,” Antonowicz said. “There were a lot more than what people can see.”
Although Antonowicz had previously spoken about history in classes at the Norwich schools, this was his first opportunity to lecture before a college class. Social Studies Teacher Matt Maholchic first approached Antonowicz about doing the lecture, and Antonowicz quickly agreed.
The eighth grader said the class of approximately eight students seemed surprised by how much the middle schooler knew about local history. “Before I started off, I asked if anybody knew anything about local history, and they didn’t know much,” Antonowicz said.
As part of the class, Antonowicz took the class walking through downtown Norwich, pointing out different historical structures and areas of historical significance.
The instructor at Morrisville State asked Antonowicz to focus on a certain time period, and the youngster said he focused on buildings and major industries that operated during that time, including the Norwich Pharmacal Company, Victory Markets and W.H. Dunne.
While Antonowicz said the experience took some getting used to, it was not the first time the student has worked with an older crowd. In addition to his work at the historical society, Antonowicz has done speeches on the Norwich Jewish Center and its historical context. The speeches were done as part of a presentation to get the center listed on the New York State Historical Registry.
“History should be preserved the way it is,” Antonowicz said. Over the past two years, he has worked closely with members of the County Historical Society and the Jewish Center to preserve local history. In addition, Antonowicz enjoys digging for Native American artifacts with the local chapter of the New York State Archaeology Association.
While Antonowicz said many other kids his age are not as interested in history, he said some might be if they knew more about it. While the 13-year-old said he isn’t sure if teaching is something he wants to do when he gets older, he said his future plans will definitely have something to do with history.