JTHG Service Learning Programs
Fascinating Learning Experiences
One of the ways The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership helps students develop an appreciation for the past and a responsibility for the future is through its groundbreaking service learning programs. These experiential learning activities are designed to connect students with the historic, cultural and natural resources at JTHG sites from Gettysburg to Monticello. Combining creative education curricula, on-site experiences and expert accounts with digital media technology, each project fully immerses students in historic events and situations, providing them with experiences that they can apply to world events.
The Of the Student, By the Student, For the Student™ Service Learning Project
The Of the Student, By the Student, For the Student™ Program is a nationally recognized, award-winning service learning program that offers students a full immersion in American history and heritage. Students ranging from sixth- to twelfth-grade find themselves onsite at the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, bringing the stories of those who came before them to life in videos that they write, produce, shoot, and edit under the guidance of JTHG professionals. The resulting mini-movies, or Vodcasts, offer a permanent record of the students’ personal experiences and interpretations.
The pilot program was created and customized by the JTHG Partnership for Harpers Ferry Middle School students in conjunction with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
In July 2010, the program wrapped up a project with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and Sutherland Middle School.
In October 2010, the program began a multiyear effort working with middle schools and the Civil War National Parks within the Journey, starting with Manassas National Battlefield Park and Stonewall Middle School.
Antietam National Battlefield Park
Over several months, E. Russell Hicks Middle School students have worked on site with National Park Rangers, historians, JTHG Partnership educators and researched historical source documents to learn about life on and off the battlefield during 1860’s and during the Bloodiest Battle in American history.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Based on their hands-on experiences in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and analysis of primary source documents, approximately 70 Harpers Ferry Middle School kids played a part to produce and promote six mini-documentaries, depicting their understanding of the famous 1859 John Brown Raid in Harpers Ferry, which set-off fighting in the American Civil War.
Manassas National Battlefield
From beginning to end, 400 students from Stonewall Middle School will create, produce, and direct vignettes or Vodcasts, offering their interpretations of the battle of First Manassas (Bull Run), Second Manassas, and the 1911 Peace Jubilee.
Monticello Program
From start to finish, sixth-grade students created mini-movies offering their interpretation of national history at a World Heritage Site within the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
Balls Bluff Battlefield
Based on their hands-on experiences at Battle of Balls Bluff and analysis of primary source documents, Smarts Mill Middle School kids played a part to produce and promote six mini-documentaries, depicting their understanding of the famous Battle of Balls Bluff.
