Among the colossal whale skeletons on display at the New Bedford Whale Museum were Paul Revere, Thomas Paine, Nancy Ward and a variety of other prominent – and lesser known – figures from the late 1700s.

The museum’s second story was filled with the sound of factoids about the American Revolutionary War on March 10 as Friends Academy students performed two- to three-minute sketches. The micro-performances were part of a “Wax Museum” project, which involved about 30 fifth graders.

Starting in January, the students had embarked on a multidisciplinary lesson about the Revolutionary War. Each student selected a historical figure from that era, and that person became the focus of a research paper.

The papers were condensed into a speech, highlighting some of the more important information and colorful elements from each person’s life. Then it was off to the attic at Friends Academy, where a treasure trove of costumes is stored, so that each student could dress the part.

On March 4, the young historians performed their sketches in front of fellow students and parents on campus. That particular performance incorporated painted backgrounds befitting of each student’s character.

This is where the “wax museum” idea came into play. Attendees could press a “button” that would snap the historical figure to life, launching the performer into a prepared speech before he or she would return to their dynamic, unflinching pose.

“It’s a great way for them to learn because, not only do they learn their own speech, they help each other memorize their speeches,” said Melinda Foley-Marsello, head of the lower school.

Not only is the Wax Museum project a chance for students to research and write history, it also gives students an opportunity to speak in public. Foley-Marsello said that every grade has some activity that incorporates public speaking.

“Some kids are shy and it takes a lot for them to do this,” she said.

In addition to dispensing information, the students were encouraged to act out their historical figure, though each individual’s personality was largely up for interpretation.

Merle Durant, 11, played American soldier Nathan Hale who was hung at age 21 for spying on the British.

“I imagine he would be nice,” said Durant. “He died at an early age and wanted to protect his country. One of his famous quotes was ‘I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.’ That really says who he is.”

Liam Hempstead, 11, played King George III for laughs with dramatic hand gesticulations beneath his red velvet robe.

Kazimir Borowicz, 10, played Founding Father and political activist Thomas Paine, a man whom he described a complex. He said part of the challenge of the speech was to give the audience a simple version of history without bogging them down with too many facts. He was a big fan of the assignment, though.

“I love researching history. It’s so fun to get into character. And I love acting, so this was fun for me,” said Borowicz.