Second- and third-graders at Millhopper Montessori School step into the roles of figures from U.S. history at the 19th Annual Historical Timeline on Oct. 30.

Second- and third-graders at Millhopper Montessori School in Gainesville will spend the day before Halloween as someone else: a figure from United States history, researched, rehearsed and played in character.

The school’s 19th Annual Historical Timeline takes place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, when students present to classmates and family members, the school said.

The event is open only to current Millhopper Montessori families and is not open to the wider Gainesville community because of space, the school said.

History instead of Halloween costumes

“Rather than traditional Halloween costumes, students select a notable figure from United States history, research their life and accomplishments, then portray that individual during the Historical Timeline,” the school said in a release.

Each student speaks as the person they chose, describing that figure’s achievements and experiences. The school says the project builds public speaking skills and gives students “confidence in communicating their research.”

The work ran across several subjects. Students used social studies, media, technology and art classes to research their figures, build their presentations and make posters “highlighting their contributions and discoveries,” according to the release.

A teacher’s tradition, passed to a former student

The Historical Timeline was started by the school’s lead second- and third-grade teacher and has been a school tradition for nearly two decades, the school said.

It is now coordinated by one of his former students, who came back to Millhopper Montessori as a teacher. In the school’s words, the former student “now coordinates the program for a new generation of students.”

The details

  • What: 19th Annual Historical Timeline, student presentations in character
  • When: 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
  • Where: Millhopper Montessori School, 8505 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville
  • Who: Second- and third-grade students, presenting to classmates and family members
  • Who can attend: Current Millhopper Montessori families only; the event is not open to the public because of space

The school can be reached at 352-375-6773.