
Peter Vermilyea’s oral history project at Housatonic Valley Regional High School gives students a hands-on historical perspective.
Ruth Epstein
Peter Vermilyea’s oral history project at Housatonic Valley Regional High School gives students a hands-on historical perspective.
FALLS VILLAGE — Students in Peter Vermilyea’s ECE American history class at Housatonic Valley Regional High School learn history first hand through the annual oral history project.
Many have read about the sinking of the Titanic in books, but one young woman in his class in 1999 was able to talk to a survivor, who was 6-years old at the time. “The only thing she remembered was that her stuffed animal fell into the water,” recalled Vermilyea. Another teen got to speak with astronaut Alan Shepard.
He was part of a Zoom discussion on Tuesday, April 22, moderated by Judith Monachina, founding director of the Housatonic Heritage Oral History Center at Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts.
Most of the interviews in the early years of the program, which began when Vermilyea arrived at the school decades ago, had a bit more of a local flavor. Students, who are juniors, would interview their grandparents or great-grandparents, or those they knew in their communities.
Vermilyea said one of his favorite images was one told to a student by an alumnus, who talked about walking home from high school in the 1940s and stealing warm pies that were cooling on a woman’s windowsill. “Such stories allow the students to connect with the past. They can be hand-in-hand with actual history.”
Vermilyea detailed the origins of the oral history program, noting the first year he used tape recorders and had the students transcribe the interviews, which they didn’t enjoy at all. Yet, when he talked with the teens when they were seniors, when asked what they liked best about the course, they all replied it was doing oral histories. “Once they could reflect upon it, they realized they loved it.”
While many of the interviews brought praise from their teacher, one that was a disappointment stands out. Vermilyea said a student talked about his grandfather’s experiences serving in the Korean War. “It was fascinating and I wanted to know more. Then we found the whole thing was lifted from a Korean War magazine. When asked why he did it, the young man said his grandfather was boring. I don’t know which was worse; the plagiarism or that he didn’t think his grandfather had anything meaningful to say.” Then Vemilyea added, “Everyone has an important story to tell.”
But he emphasized the students are directed not to pry and there are certain subjects that are not approached. They are also instructed to ask open-ended questions to avoid getting “yes” or “no” answers. The one question always asked, which gets terrific responses, is “What advice would you give to your younger self?”
Something that has stuck with him was the note he received from a student revealing his father, who was older, died the year after the young man graduated. He had interviewed his dad for the oral history and wrote to tell Vermilyea that having the transcript of the interview with his father meant so much to him.
In 2016, Vermilyea began teaching the Early College Experience program through the University of Connecticut, which gives students who pass the course six college credits. He decided to switch from the old model of oral histories since it was getting harder to interview people due to geography. So, he embarked on a decades project, realizing Region One is an area steeped in tradition. He brought alumni collectively from various years to meet with and talk to the students about their high school experiences.
The first group consisted of 17 graduates from the 1950s and two from the 1940s. Vermilyea said the interviewees were so excited to be asked and went all out, bringing old yearbooks, artifacts and one even wore her poodle skirt. “To this day, that was the best moment of my teaching career. Those students and graduates fell in love with each other.”
He said when the students were asked what it’s like to be a high school student now, the teens turned the tables and asked the guests what they remembered from their school days. Popular questions were about what song when heard brings them back to their high school days and what foods were popular then.
Vermilyea humorously said when it came time to focus on the ‘90s, he declared that was not really history since he was a student of the era. But last year he broke down and focused on that decade. “Things really changed then. In the early years, we’d send out 60 to 70 letters and maybe get 15 responses. Because of Facebook and texting, last year we reached out to 18 and get 18 back. They were able to do it online, which gave some flexibility.”
Nowadays, with more technological advancements and the aid of AI, the process is somewhat streamlined and the transcriptions are much easier to construct. However, the process involves a lot of work, taking about six months to complete.
This year, the project will return to having students interview those from the 1950s and ’60s. He is very grateful to the Housatonic Valley Regional Alumni Association, which helped gather names for this exercise.
SHARON — Marion J. (Cookingham) Pedersen of Sharon, passed peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 91.
Born in Pine Plains, New York, she lived a life of love and unwavering strength. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife known for her cooking skills.
Her greatest joy was taking care of and feeding her family. For over 50 years she knew most of the children in Sharon, either by driving them to and from school on the bus or by feeding them lunch in the Sharon Center School cafeteria. She will be missed by so many.
She is survived and missed by her husband of 74 years, Niels (Pete) Pedersen, her two sons Niels (Peter) Pedersen Jr., and wife Lori of Sharon, Dennis Pedersen and wife Bonnie of Winchester, and her daughter, Deborah Pedersen of Winsted. She will forever be cherished and remembered by her granddaughters, Hollie Boyuk and husband Michael, Sarah White and husband Michael, five great-grandsons, Dylan and wife Ashley, Brandon, Caleb, Christopher and Jacob, and numerous other family members who will miss her dearly.
Marion was the youngest of 12 children and predeceased by her 11 siblings.
All services are private.Memorial contributions may be made to the donors choice. Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
LIME ROCK — Eleanor Anne Sternlof (née de Guise) of White Hollow Road passed away on April 25, 2025 at Geer Village in North Canaan, Connecticut. She was 94 and the loving wife of the late Paul William Sternlof, who died on August 12, 2005.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 11am to 1pm at The Kenny Funeral Home, 41 Main Street, Sharon, CT.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
SHARON — Jacqueline Irene Dirck, affectionately known as Jackie, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 84. Born on Nov. 19, 1940, in Joplin, Missouri, Jackie lived a life filled with warmth, laughter, and deep devotion to those she loved.
Jackie shared an extraordinary 62-year marriage with her high school sweetheart and beloved husband, Ronald Dirck. Their enduring partnership was a shining example of lifelong love and unwavering support. Together they created a home that radiated joy, a gathering place for family celebrations marked by spirited card games, hearty meals, and heartfelt conversations. Jackie especially treasured quiet afternoons spent with a cocktail in hand, embracing life’s simple pleasures with grace and good cheer.
She was a devoted mother to Melissa Dirck Appel and her husband Jeff Appel, and Patrick Dirck and his wife Lisa Dirck. She carried the memory of her son Kevin with enduring love throughout her life. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren; Alexandra, Caroline, Emma, Natalie, Evan, Cooper, Elle, and Tanner. Jackie is also fondly remembered by her sister, Charlene Barr and brother James Wilson.
A gifted cook with a generous spirit, Jackie found immense joy in bringing people together around the table. Her kitchen was always filled with the comforting aromas of treasured family recipes or exciting new culinary creations-each dish prepared with love and care. These shared meals became cherished traditions that strengthened bonds across generations.
Jackie also had a tender heart for animals. The loyal companionship of her beloved dogs brought her comfort and joy over the years-offering moments of peace amid life’s busy rhythm.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Maxine Wilson. Their guidance remained close to Jackie’s heart throughout her journey. In honor of Jackie’s compassionate nature and giving spirit, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Susan G. Komen Foundation or The American Cancer Society.
Her light lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory continue to bring comfort and smiles to those she touched.
A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
NORTH CANAAN — Elizabeth (BJ) Christinat, social worker, activist, and cherished family member and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, leaving behind a memory of service, compassion, and love.
Born in North Canaan, on Mother’s Day in 1947, Elizabeth dedicated her life to helping others. Influenced by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, she carried its values throughout her personal and professional life, fighting for those in need.
Elizabeth graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School in 1965 and St. Joseph’s College in Hartford in 1969. Her first job was as a fourth-grade teacher at St. James School in Manchester, Connecticut. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, she stayed home to raise a family, yet remained active in local politics and volunteer organizations. After earning a degree in substance abuse counseling in 1991 from Northwestern Connecticut Community College, she worked in the youth program at the Parkside Lodge Treatment Center. She was a facilitator for a domestic violence support group at Susan B. Anthony and a parent aide for the Northwest Center for Family Service & Mental Health in Winsted.
From 2005 until her retirement in 2020, Elizabeth was the social worker for the town of North Canaan. In this role, she provided a lifeline to many families in need. She was committed to her work and ensuring people received the care, dignity, and support they deserved. Elizabeth managed a thriving Christmas program for the town that rallied donations from across the region, bringing joy and relief to families during the holidays. Her efforts reminded people they were seen, valued, and not alone.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert Christinat, and their three children. She also leaves behind grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings, a foreign exchange student and friends, all of whom she cherished deeply. Many considered her “a second mom” and will attest that her door was always open to anyone.
Family history was important to her, and nothing gave her more comfort in her later years than reminiscing about her mother, Kay Casey, and her grandparents, Pete and Betty Ducillo. Those who knew BJ will remember her laughing, dancing, playing cards, crocheting blankets, advocating for the underdog, and cheering for the Mets and UConn.
She inspired us all with her unwavering dedication to family and friends and a commitment to helping others with passion, courage, and love.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The Connecticut chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association 200 Executive Blvd South Southington, CT 06489.