NEWS RELEASE

Issued June 19, 2003 For immediate release

Contact: Larry Keener-Farley
Email:
Telephone: 717-260-1861
Website: www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org


History Honors Program for Students at Museum


Harrisburg, Pa. -- The National Civil War Museum will conduct a special History Honors Program for students, ages 11 to 15, throughout the summer.

The one, two and four day sessions are designed for students who have a real interest in Civil War History.

Students will learn by doing. Each of the sessions will emphasize the “School of the Soldier” and the “School of the Company,” the same basic training that was given to a Civil War soldier. Students will learn the manual of arms, how to march in column, and how to deploy into a battleline so that they will better understand the tactics of the Civil War.

In addition to outdoor activities, students will have an opportunity to handle and study 140-year old artifacts, receive in depth tours of the Museum, and hear special presentations on a variety of Civil War topics. The Museum’s acclaimed educational staff and additional guest historians will serve as instructors. Class size will be limited to 24 students per session to maintain a high mentor to student ratio.

Additional topics in the various sessions will include presentations on uniforms and equipment, military organization, flags, medicine, artillery, civilians, music, newspapers, photography, local history, and recreation. As part of the application process, students will be asked to indicate their areas of interest and the Museum staff will use that information in designing the curriculum.
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Four-day sessions will be offered July 21 to 24 and August 12 to 15. Two-day sessions will be offered July 17 and 18 and August 4 and 5.

One-day sessions will be offered on Sunday, July 13, and Saturday, August 23. Parents may join their children for these one-day sessions and learn about the Civil War together.

The program is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services by an Act of Congress, and grants from the North American Railway Foundation, Penn National Insurance Company, and Highmark Blue Shield.

All sessions will include lunch and a notebook filled with valuable information. The programs cost $25.00 per day. For more information, telephone 717-260-1861, Extension 3235.