Social studies teachers from the southeastern part of the state came together on September 17th for an exciting day of investigation around the Civil War's impact on Vermont. We heard from historian Howard Coffin about his efforts to uncover how Vermonters lives were touched by the war and from reenactor (and teacher) John Swanson about Springfield's first 10 days of the war. We learned about individual soldiers and the people they left behind by examining primary source documents and how to create a Quest from questing "guru" Steve Glazer. The highlight of the day, though, was our trip to the Dummerston Center Cemetery. There we collected data from the graves of soldiers as well as learned how to "read" cemeteries in general.The feedback about the day was positive and informative:
"Howard Coffin was very inspiring. I want to look for Civil War history in my own town."
"Great cemetery work. It motivates me to do the same in my school community."
"Great mix of speakers, workshops, and field trip to the cemetery."
"The presentations, trip to the cemetery, and activities were 10 on a scale of 10."
Participant feedback also suggested some changes that will be made to the next inservice date (October 22nd at the Danville School). Specifically, we will have a breakout room geared toward elementary teachers.
Thanks very much to Sarah Rooker from the Flow of History project, Julia Lewandoski from the Vermont Humanities Council, Larry Coffin, former teacher at Oxbow and member of the Vermont Old Cemetery Association, and Christine Smith, women's history teacher at Spaulding High School who were all instrumental in making this day happen!
- What would you like to see at the next social studies network meeting?
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