KING FERRY -- When Marsha Russell first began digging into the history of the New York state historical markers that adorn the Southern Cayuga region, she never dreamed that the program would attract so much attention.

At one time, the historical markers were carefully attended to by a state program, but have sat untouched and often unnoticed since the state's decision to drop the program many years ago.

"We are lucky enough to live in an area that is so rich with local history," Russell said during the "Historical Markers of Cayuga County" program held at The Rural Life Museum in King Ferry, Sunday afternoon. "We just need to package it together for easier access."

Of the many markers that still exist in the Southern Cayuga area, Russell had chosen six that seemed to inspire her the most.

Dressed in period garb, both active and retired teachers around the county read a short biography of each marker listed in the program.

Russell had originally written the program for an event held at the Morgan Opera House this past fall.

"I think that there is an interest in our local history," Russell said. "These markers are fading and they don't have to. The markers are very important to our history."

For more, read The Citizen on Monday