RUMFORD – Ron LaBerge’s favorite era is Colonial America.

His classroom displays early U.S. flags, a Revolutionary War uniform and a musket from the era.

“America was young and it faced many obstacles and created the country we have,” he said Tuesday afternoon in a classroom any history buff would love.

LaBerge’s enthusiasm for his subject and his talents in getting that across to Mountain Valley High School students were recognized last week when he received the Award for Excellence in Social Studies from the Maine Council for Social Studies at its annual conference in Augusta.

“When I received it … I was really stunned, very pleased,” he said.

When LaBerge is not teaching U.S. history, U.S. military history, or U.S. government, he can often be found taking part in American Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactments. At one time during his 29-year career with the Rumford School Department, then later when it became part of SAD 43, he would take students to Washington, D.C., or to West Point.

History is something he’s always loved.

“I always played with toy soldiers when I was a child. And I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s and watched historical movies,” he said.

He rarely lectures, but instead, uses diaries or other primary history documents, artifacts or memorabilia to introduce a subject.

“I believe history is a story, not a collection of facts,” he said. “I like to show students that we are just like them, but in a different era. I ask them to think about 100 years from now. How will people view us?”

High school Assistant Principal Chris Decker said students have told him they wanted to make sure LaBerge would be their social studies teacher.

“He’s very animated and brings social studies to life,” Decker said.

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin was pleased that one of the district’s teachers was honored.

“Anytime you are recognized by peers, it’s a great honor. Ron has worked a longtime in the profession and is worthy of the award,” Hodgkin said.

LaBerge is a member of the Maine Council for Social Studies and is its president. He does not sit on the executive committee that chooses a recipient of the award.

Crystal Polk is a member of the council’s nominating committee and nominated LaBerge for the honor because of his commitment to social studies and to his students, and for his leadership on the council, she said Tuesday afternoon.

She now works for the Department of Education and lives in Kingfield, but more than a decade ago, she got to know LaBerge when they both worked on curriculum and she taught elementary school in Rumford.

Social studies teachers aren’t the only recipients of the award, LaBerge said.

Past recipients include Rosie Shiras, the leader of the Society of Friends in the state, who was honored for her work on Wabanaki Indian Heritage, and David Richards, director of the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan.

The award isn’t given every year, but when it is, it honors those who are advancing the cause of history.