More than two dozen of Omaha's historical figures are buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery where Sunday a group of third-graders from Fullerton Magnet School learned all about their lives by “living” it.

Ray Huck played the role of John Redick Sr., one of the founders of Omaha. "It’s very honoring to represent someone who no longer can speak for themselves."

Each student did months of research before taking on their new identities. "It’s not like a regular research project because they can’t just Google or find books about a lot of the people that are buried here because there aren’t things like that," says gifted facilitator Sue Carson. And so they have to really dig deep and do some really good research."

The end result? The public was invited to see their presentations on Who's Who in Omaha history.

"I thought that it was very interesting that as an adult, that I learned a lot about Omaha’s history from a group of 25 third graders. Pretty awesome," says parent Mike Sharp.

The students seemed to enjoy dressing the part. Erika Vasek wore her great-great grandmother's dress from the same time period as her character, Dr. Elizabeth Reeves, Omaha's first female doctor.

Costumes aside, Vasek realizes the true value of the experience. "They did so many things to help Omaha be a better place and I think Omaha has a richer foundation because of some of those people."

Student T.J. Redington is considering a career after playing Omaha's first mayor, Ezra Millard. "I might have high hopes but I can’t speak too soon."

This was the third year the Voices of the Past event has taken place at the cemetery.