It’s all about giving back.

Amelia and Jeff Jeffers had no misconceptions when they recently walked into Columbus Academy in central Ohio to speak to two different groups of elementary students. As owners of Garth’s Auctions in nearby Delaware, Ohio, they weren’t looking to turn first- and third-graders into collectors.

In a way, their mission was much more important. They wanted to share a love of history.

The couple has routinely spoken to youngsters at the Academy when the students learn about early American life -- the Oregon Trail for first-graders and the Gold Rush for third-graders.

"We’ve looped with these kids," said Mrs. Jeffers. "You teach the same kids in different grades. We presented when they were studying the Oregon Trail in first grade, and when the same group was studying the Gold Rush in third grade."

The Jeffers enter the classroom toting a variety of antiques that would have been used during those two historic periods in the 19th century. "We took things we thought would have been taken westward," said Mr. Jeffers. Among them were a punched-tin foot warmer, candle mold, lighting devices and cooking items, including a wrought-iron broiler. Other objects ranged from figural cookie cutters to an ice-fishing lure in the form of a beaver. The latter wasn’t of the period being discussed, but it had a certain fun factor.

From their personal collection came a printed dress that served as the launching point to discuss how harsh life could be during that era. "What we wanted to leave behind was that every object has a story," said Mr. Jeffers. "Second, there are many different ways to approach history…. Material culture is a way to look at history."

A paint-decorated bellows served as an example that people sought to brighten up their days with simple adornments. "We had a couple of outcomes in doing this. One of them was that life was not all drab and boring," said Mr. Jeffers. "Look at the fun, decorative paint. They didn’t need to be painted to function."

By looping with the students, there’s a sense of familiarity when the Jeffers return to the classroom. Students remember objects from previous talks and may feel more comfortable in continuing their conversations.

The response from the students has been encouraging. "I think I want to be an auctioneer when I grow up," noted one girl.

"I love their enthusiasm," said Mrs. Jeffers. "It’s a great way to spend my time."

That’s exactly the point.

"We really aren’t presenting to school kids to grow new collectors, although that makes great PR. We’re doing it because it is a way to pay it forward and share our passion with kids who are forming opinions about what is important," she added. "And, as they grow up and see less and less importance placed on historic preservation, and plain old creativity, we want them to remember how cool it was to hold a 200-year-old object and get a first-hand experience with a pioneer’s life."

Mr. Jeffers concurred. "I don’t walk in there thinking I’ll gain one more client by doing it," he said. "We just like it when people like the stuff."

There have been some fringe benefits. Following one classroom presentation, two teachers attended a Garth’s auction for the first time. Apparently they, too, liked the stuff they saw in the classroom.

Thank-you notes written after the last presentation indicated what the students found interesting. Among the most touching was a handwritten letter from a boy who stated, "I really liked the cool stuff. I wish I had an antique."

From those comments, the Jeffers know their time in the classroom is paying off. Students are making the link between antiques and the past. "We’re certainly in our corner of the world trying to expose the kids to history and to connect to things," said Mrs. Jeffers.

It’s something she encourages others within the antiques industry to do. "Anybody who has the chance, it’s not rocket science. You’re just talking to kids and showing them things. Anybody who has the time, it can’t be a bad thing," she said.

"I do think if you’re passionate about anything and willing to share that passion, that’s what gets people involved. What greater fun than to be the one to introduce a kid to that, and they later get involved."