I am a bit of a history nerd.  (Yes, that's me dressed as the History Hound with Molly Pitcher).  In Pennsylvania, I volunteered at the Moland House, a home where Lafayette joined the Colonial Army.  I wonder what history projects I can find in my new home of Tennessee?  So, this student project to write a local history book intrigued me.  Perhaps you'd like to try a simpler version with your class.