“Integrating Primary Sources through Local History,” a program that will explore the use of local history as a way to teach and encourage historical thinking skills, will be held on Wednesday March 27, at 5 pm in Rome, NY.
The program will feature Camden High School Social Studies Teacher Jessica Harney and Camden High School Media Specialist Jennine Bloomquist who will share ways in which primary source research can help generate excitement in today’s youth. From researching deeds, to field archaeology, and building community partnerships, this program will help attendees encourage youth to be historians.
Harney and Bloomquist have been collaborating to increase student appreciation for local history while teaching historical thinking skills and document research. In 2016, they were instrumental in getting a NYS Historic Roadside Marker through the William G. Pomeroy Foundation on behalf of the Oneida County History Center. The marker, placed in Florence NY, commemorates a free black farming settlement which was organized by abolitionist Stephen Myers on lands granted by Gerrit Smith. Since then, teachers, along with state and local agencies have collaborated on an archaeological research project of the site providing an opportunity for students to work side-by-side with research professionals in the field of history.
Educators who are interested in receiving a one-hour professional development credit may register through My Learning Plan. While this program is free and open to the public, anyone interested in attending is encouraged to contact Carol Zaleski at (315) 339-0096 or email carolz@darkroomunltd.com.
This program is sponsored by the Alpha Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Rome Historical Society.
The Rome Historical Society is located at 200 Church Street, Rome, and is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. For more information, call (315) 336-5870, or visit their website.
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