Preservationist Sharon Andresen during an interview with Fourth Wall Films, stands in front of the Forest Grove Schoolhouse.
Forest Grove School Preservation has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area to film a new interpretive video entitled, "Farms & Families of Forest Grove".
Emmy® nominated filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films (Country School: One Room - One Nation; Lost Nation: The Ioway 1, 2&3) will document on High-definition digital video the stories of country school teachers, students and parents and the education practices at Forest Grove School No. 5 from the time it opened in1873 until it closed in 1957. Several farming generations will be represented in the video footage gathered.
"We're excited to be working with Silos & Smokestacks, as well as Tammy & Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films on this exciting project," said Sharon Andresen, Forest Grove School preservationist. "We are looking forward to having the schoolhouse open for all to enjoy the video exhibit we will be creating. Thank you to all at Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area for supporting our project and believing in our mission!"
Forest Grove School was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Forest Grove School Preservation is dedicated to preserving and telling the history of rural education through the historic rehabilitation of Forest Grove School No 5. To contribute or get involved in the preservation work of Forest Grove, visit http://forestgroveschool.org.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in
the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. Through the development of
a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA’s mission is to interpret farm life, agribusiness
and rural communities-past and present. Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area preserves and tells the story of American agriculture and its global significance through partnerships and activities that celebrate the land, people, and communities of the area.
Fourth Wall Films is an award-winning independent film and video production company formerly located in Los Angeles, and now based in Moline, Illinois. To view a catalog of Fourth Wall Films' award-winning films, click HERE.