NPS & Roton Invite Norwalk Community to Explore City's History through Scavenger Hunt

In celebration of America250, Norwalk Public Schools is proud to share one of its most beloved learning traditions, an engaging scavenger hunt created by Roton Middle School social studies teacher Dean Vaccaro that has inspired generations of students to explore the rich history of our city.

NPS invites the community also to take part in the scavenger hunt by visiting the district website at bit.ly/norwalkscavengerhunt and explore the same historic sites alongside students. Community members are encouraged to share their experience by taking photos or videos as they complete the scavenger hunt and tagging Norwalk Public Schools on Facebook or @norwalkschoolsct on Instagram.

A group of Vaccaro’s eighth grade students started their scavenger hunt assignment on May 5 at Mill Hill HIstoric Park, locating the “Founding of Norwalk” sign. The assignment will take them across the city, exploring significant historical sites connected to America’s founding and the American Revolution, including the Founding of Norwalk and the Burning of Norwalk.

“I've lived in Norwalk my whole life, but I don't really know too much about the history, so I'm looking forward to learning more about where I've lived all my life,” said student Charlie Depanfilis.

“I was surprised about the street name changes and islands, like the archipelago. They're very interesting to learn about. I never heard of the names before,” said student Leah Rose Funke.

“I like how we get to go around to different sites around the town and learn about it that way, which is different from any other project we've done this year in school, and just learning about the town. It's really cool,” said student Charles Ryan.

Students shared the experience with community members including Norwalk City Council member Richard Dellinger; Diane Jellerette, executive director of the Norwalk Historical Society; Jo-Anne Schultz, president of the Norwalk Historical Society Board; Sarah Kline, who leads the The Little Red Schoolhouse Program for the Norwalk Historical Society, and Rob Pennington, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Norwalk Public Schools.

“We do so much learning inside the four walls of the classroom with books, notes, and Chromebooks. What I love most about these projects is that students get to learn and explore beyond the classroom—beyond the walls of the school—by traveling around their hometown, finding and exploring hidden treasures,” Vaccaro said.

Click here for more information about the Norwalk History Scavenger Hunt.

About America250

Norwalk Public Schools is proud to participate in the City of Norwalk’s celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The Semiquincentennial offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its achievements, and envision its future. From coast to coast, Americans will engage in events that highlight the country’s diverse history and shared values.

Norwalk, Connecticut, holds a significant place in Revolutionary War history. On July 11, 1779, the Battle of Norwalk occurred as part of British General William Tryon’s raids on Connecticut towns. The British forces attacked Norwalk, leading to extensive destruction. 

Additionally, in 1776, American patriot Nathan Hale embarked on his fateful intelligence-gathering mission from Norwalk, highlighting the town’s role in the fight for independence.

Residents and visitors of Norwalk can look forward to a variety of events and activities that honor the city’s rich history and contributions to America’s founding. To learn more about Norwalk’s plans to participate in the nationwide Semiquincentennial celebrations, visit the Visit Norwalk website.