Students from Oregon Trail Elementary have something in common with the students at Henry Elementary in Rialto, Calif. Fourth-graders at both schools recently took part in a project created by Gayle Irwin and Painted Past to teach them more about the Oregon Trail's history.

Irwin, a local author, said she came up with the project after learning that the students study their state histories, and wondered how much students learned about the Oregon Trail.

"I thought, 'Hmm, I wonder how much information the kids out here get about the Trail before it gets to there,' " she said. "And I found out, 'Nothing.' "

Irwin teamed up with Painted Past, a local group that teaches students about history, in writing grants to fund a project that would connect students in Wyoming and California in learning more about the Oregon Trail. She traveled to California and worked with the Henry Elementary students in person.

Wells Fargo in Casper helped fund the project, as did a Wal-Mart store in Rialto. Irwin worked closely with Donna Fisher, Painted Past's director in putting on the project.

Students in both schools worked on writing activities about historical figures on the Oregon Trail based on information they learned in Irwin's presentations to them. Students also did writing activities about 'humane heroes,' people or animals they considered heroes.

The project's final piece was having the students write postcards to each other, including things they liked about their respective towns.

Some students signed their postcards, "your new friend," Irwin said. The postcards give the students a glimpse at the differences between their states and schools, which Irwin said created a sort of cultural exchange for the kids.

"Both Donna and I think this project could grow," Irwin said. "It connects people together."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com