Program Overview
Steve Glazer, the designer of numerous successful Questing programs at museums, parks, and communities across the country, has adapted his place-based education approach to engage audiences with the upcoming Civil War Sesquicentennial. This program, adaptable to family, school, and other audiences, encourages the exploration of old cemeteries and the “adoption” of Civil War veterans buried there. The program, accessible through Glazer’s website, contains 14 lessons to provide structure and guidance; though the actual experience can be as formal or informal as the participants wish.
Participants first discover the gravestone of a local soldier. Next, they photograph (or draw) the gravestone, and collect any data (name, dates, location, regiment/company information, etc.) available. This information serves as a gateway point: further research can be conducted in local libraries or historical societies, or online. Ultimately, participants can create a narrative, timeline, map, and primary source folder for their soldier. This research can benefit the “host” institution, as the information gathered can be compiled for either research or programming. It is also highly satisfying on a personal level; by searching primary and secondary sources related to their soldier, participants engage in local history, become stewards of their community, and form stronger ties to the institution as they become contributors to the collection.
Program at a Glance
- Date of Program: Anytime – though possibly most compelling during the Civil War Sesquicentennial years (2011-2015)
- Target age group: 4th grade (10) and up
- Number of attendees: Hundreds thus far, but potentially infinite
- Cost to attendees: Free
- One time program, repeated, or hope to repeat: Repeatable
- Material costs: Nominal – pencils, paper, cost of local travel
- Non-material costs: Marketing (via website, newsletter, etc.); Steven Glazer is also available to provide workshops of varying length to introduce or develop a program
- Number of Facilitators required: Possibly 1 (a content area expert to provide guidance); otherwise, families can self-facilitate
- Staff resources needed (hours) to develop: Approximately 4-16 hours
Tangible Takeaways
Look to your “outside” collection. Museums often limit themselves to the collections inside their museums without taking notice of the treasures outside in the community. The collection outside (in this case, cemeteries) can provide excellent opportunities for educational programs, community partnerships, outreach, and inquiry – all the while giving local people and visitors a chance to ‘grow’ the collection and become interpreters in their own right.
