$1.8 million program will educate teachers, as well as students, about WWI at over 100 events, nationwide
NEW YORK, July 13, 2018 — The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission announced the formation of an educational partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, National History Day (NHD) and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
This new educational program will educate both teachers, and school students, on World War I, through a series of over 100 teaching events nationwide, which will include workshops, webinars, and other means of instruction. Additional components of the program will include:
- Integrated meetings with incorporating assets from all partners
- Webinars
- “Master Teacher” trainings
- Additional content development for online, newsletter and adult programming
The announcement took place at the opening for a new outdoor photo exhibition on World War I in NYC’s Worth Square. The photo exhibition, entitled “Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace: The Doughboys 1917-1918”. The exhibit is made up of striking modern images from WWI battlefields, taken by acclaimed photographer Michael St. Maur Sheil. The exhibit is free, and open to the public through August 12th.
“The Commission is committed to educating the public about World War I,” said Dr. Libby O’Connell, Commissioner WWI Centennial Commission. “We are excited that these incredible partners are joining with us, to help educate Americans regarding the Great War.”
Tim Bailey, Director of Education for the Gilder Lehman Institute of American History shared the enthusiasm. “As an organization dedicated to supporting American history education, we are honored to expand our relationship with the World War I Centennial Commission and are confident that this partnership will help advance the knowledge and understanding of the impact that World War I plays in our nation’s history.”
Cathy Gorn, Executive Director of National History Day, agreed. “It is a privilege to join the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission Educational Partnership and help educate 6th- to 12th-grade students from all over the country about a War that changed the world. We are excited to work with the Commission and the other partners to create resources for students and teachers to delve into the history of World War 1.”
The “Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace: The Doughboys 1917-1918” exhibit was a fitting location for the announcement, as it represented a previous partnership between the WWI Centennial Commission, and with the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City.
The Museum & Memorial’s CEO, Dr. Matthew Naylor, stated, “This exhibition traces the journey of the American forces during the height of their involvement in the war. It is both poignant and beautiful work, and it serves as another example of our commitment in helping the public understand the enduring impact of the Great War.”
Similarly, NYC’s Worth Square location was particularly fitting for the announcement, since it is just across 5th Avenue from Madison Square Park, home to the Eternal Light Monument, one of 102 World War I memorials managed by NYC Parks.
As a token of new education partnership, Dr. Libby O’Connell gave each representative a keepsake U.S. Mint 2018 WWI Commemorative Silver Dollar, which is only available during this centennial year.
Information on the World War I Centennial Commission can be found here. ww1cc.org
Information on the National WWI Museum and Memorial can be found here theworldwar.org.
Information on National History Day can be found here www.nhd.org
Information on the Gilder-Lehman Institute can be found here https://www.gilderlehrman.org.
Specific information on the photo exhibit can be found at www.theworldwar.org/fieldsofbattle.
Info on the U.S. Mint’s 2018 WWI Commemorative Silver Dollar is at www.WW1CC.org/coin.
SOURCE World War I Centennial Commission
CONTACT: Seth Sylvan, 212-843-9259, [email protected]
