Local place names such as Edinger and McFadden avenues will have new meaning for Orange County third-graders following The Gift of History program on Nov. 7 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Sponsored by The Children’s Education Foundation of Orange County, The Gift of History is an educational program designed to ensure that each third-grade student in Orange County has the chance to receive a free book about the county they call home. OCTA Director and Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Gail Eastman serves as the organization’s chairperson.
Students will receive “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”, a colorful local history book by former OCTA CEO Stan Oftelie. The unique history lesson includes everything from dinosaurs to early settlements, citrus ranching to amusement parks, and many more fascinating stories about Orange County.
In addition to learning about the history of their county, the third-graders will also discover how to get around in it. As they enter the stadium, two OCTA buses will welcome students. To create awareness and encourage use of public transportation, OCTA officials will show videos about how to ride the bus and train and pass out related educational materials.
In 2011, the more than 15,000 third-graders who packed the stadium set a Guinness World Record for the largest history lesson ever. With even more students expected this year, organizers hope to shatter their own record. Learn more.
