Student Group Ready Sites

Note: Below you will find just a sampling of student group-ready historic sites in the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. Sites are listed only if they appear in the lesson plans on this portal. See sample itineraries or contact us for information about additional museums, parks, and attractions. 

Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam Burnside Bridge_thumb.jpgIconic in the story of the Civil War, Antietam National Battlefield is a site not to be missed. On this piece of ground, 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or went missing on September 17, 1862. This battle ended the Confederate Army’s first invasion of the North and led President Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. With a deep array of multilayered school group experiences to choose from, this site hosts an exhibition, audio tour and curriculum-based, ranger-led, hands-on programming. Access the park’s teaching materials here.

Location:
Visitor Center
5831 Dunker Church Road
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
Get Directions

Site contact:
Christie Stanczak, Park Ranger
christie_stanczak@nps.gov | (301) 432-5124

Lesson plan connections:
Interviewing Monuments | Preparing for the Field Trip | Travel Brochure

Curriculum standards met:

  • United States History National Standards: Era 5, Civil War and Reconstruction (1850 – 1877), Standards 1, 2, and 3
  • Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts, grade 8: Writing, 9; Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 4, 6; Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 2, 9; Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 5, 7
  • College, Career and Civic Life Framework: Dimension 2. History 3. 6-8 and 2.6-8

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

HarpersFerry.jpgA must-see, this historic community is the perfect place to step back in time.  With exhibits, museums, and picturesque streets, history comes alive for students through multilayered, hands-on school group experiences, exploring the role of this town within the context of the Civil War. As a restored 19th century village surrounded by rivers and natural settings, this site is truly a field classroom for students. Access the park’s curriculum materials here.

Location:
Visitor Center
171 Shoreline Drive
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Get Directions

Site contact:
Stan McGee, Park Ranger
Stan_McGee@nps.gov | (304) 535-4063

Lesson plan connections:
 Preparing for the Field Trip | Socratic Smackdown | Travel Brochure

Curriculum standards met:

  • United States History National Standards: Era 5, Civil War and Reconstruction (1850 – 1877) Standards 1, 2, and 3
  • Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts, grade 8: Speaking and Listening 1, 4, 5; Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 2, 9; Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 5, 7
  • College, Career and Civic Life Framework: Dimension 2. History 3. 6-8 and 2.6-8

The Historical Society of Frederick County

historical society.jpgThis friendly museum is the perfect landing place for an introduction to the history of Frederick and its region during the Civil War. With gallery tours, permanent and changing exhibitions, hands-on activities and access to the former home of former chief justice Roger Taney, there are lots of opportunities to use this museum as the start of an independent exploration of town. What will your students discover about this historic landmark city?

Location:
Museum of Frederick County History
24 East Church Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Get Directions

Site contact:
Jennifer Winter, Program & Education Manager
jwinter@frederickhistory.org | (301) 663-1188, ext. 104 

Lesson plan connections:
Expressing Political Opinions | Preparing for the Field Trip | Travel Brochure

Curriculum standards met:

  • United States History National Standards: Era 5, Civil War and Reconstruction (1850 – 1877), Standards 1, 2, and 3
  • Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts, grade 8: Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 4, 5; Writing, 3, 4, 5; Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 2, 9; Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 5, 7
  • College, Career and Civic Life Framework: Dimension 2. History 2.6-8, 3. 6-8,12. 6-8

Monocacy National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield_thumb.jpgThe site of the last Confederate victory on Union soil, this national park should not be missed. With miles of battlefield to explore, the site also features an interactive, comprehensive exhibition exploring the specific story of the Battle of Monocacy and the larger narrative of the Civil War. Real artifacts, maps, and primary source materials are displayed in multidisciplinary ways. With accessible, hands-on, Ranger-led experiences, teachers can tailor on-site experiences to meet specific needs of students. Access the park’s curriculum materials here.

Location:
Visitor Center
5201 Urbana Pike
Frederick, MD 21704
Get Directions

Site contact:
Tracy Evans, Park Ranger
tracy_evans@nps.gov | (301) 662-3515

Lesson plan connections:
Biography | Preparing for the Field Trip | Travel Brochure

Curriculum standards met:

  • United States History National Standards: Era 5, Civil War and Reconstruction (1850 – 1877), Standards 1, 2, and 3
  • Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts, grade 8: Speaking and Listening 1, 4, 5; Reading Informational text 2, 6; Writing 2, 5, 8; Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 2, 9; Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 5, 7
  • College, Career and Civic Life Framework: Dimension 2. History 3. 6-8 and 2.6-8

National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Civil War Medicine Museum_thumb.jpgThere are many assumptions made about battlefield medicine and the Civil War. Take the time to investigate these assumptions in the provocative and informative exhibits at this unique museum. Whether it’s a greater understanding of the development of modern emergency medical systems, public health practices, or simply the experience of soldiers, students will come away with a deeper understanding of the legacy of the Civil War on the American experience.

Location:
Frederick Location
48 East Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Get Directions

Pry House Field Hospital Museum
18906 Shepherdstown Pike
Keedysville, MD 21756
Get Directions

Site contact:
Katie Reichard, Reservation Coordinator
Katie.Reichard@CivilWarMed.org | (301) 695-1864, ext. 1010

Lesson plan connections:
Reflective Writing | Preparing for the Field Trip | Travel Brochure

Curriculum standards met:

  • United States History National Standards: Era 5, Civil War and Reconstruction (1850 – 1877) Standards 1, 2, and 3
  • Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts, grade 8: Reading Informational text 1; Writing 3; Speaking and Listening 1, 4, 5; Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 2, 6, 9; Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 5, 7
  • College, Career and Civic Life Framework: Dimension 2. History 3. 6-8 and 2.6-8

South Mountain State Battlefield

South Mountain Monument_thumb.jpgThe country’s only major battlefield intersected by the Appalachian Trail, the story of Maryland’s first major battle of the Civil War is told through the evocative landscape, at multiple small museums, and on interpretive signage throughout the park. Take a respite along your journey from Harpers Ferry or Antietam to enjoy this quiet, shady spot, have lunch and stretch your legs. The battlefield is made up of several areas including Gathland State Park, once the home of Civil War journalist George Alfred Townsend and the site of the War Correspondents Memorial Arch, and Washington Monument State Park, site of the nation’s first completed monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington.

Location:
Washington Monument Visitor Center
6620 Zittlestown Road
Middletown, MD 21769
Get Directions

Site Contact:
Steve Robertson, Park Ranger
steve.robertson@maryland.gov | (301) 432-0452

Lesson plan connections:
Analyzing Historical Images | Preparing for the Field Trip | Travel Brochure

Curriculum standards met (in the lesson plans):

  • United States History National Standards: Era 5, Civil War and Reconstruction (1850 – 1877) Standards 1, 2, and 3
  • Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts, grade 8: Writing, 9; Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 4, 5; Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 2, 9; Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 5, 7
  • College, Career and Civic Life Framework: Dimension 2. History 3. 6-8, 2.6-8 and 13. 6-8

Tolson’s Chapel

Tolsons Chapel1-C.jpgBefore or after visiting Antietam, take the time to explore the historic town of Sharpsburg and discover an incredible landmark building located just off the main street. This former African American church is the perfect place to consider our country’s post emancipation story. Tolson’s Chapel served as a Freedmen’s Bureau school and has been restored to look as it did on the first day of school on April 6, 1868. Don’t miss this chance to sit in the pews, look out the windows and explore the grounds; these kinds of buildings are extremely rare and a treasure to our national history. Site tours are by appointment only, though groups are welcome to walk around the cemetery, view the wayside exhibit, and peek in the windows. 

Location:
 111 East High Street
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
Get Directions

Site contact:
 Edie Wallace, President, Friends of Tolson's Chapel
tolsons.chapel@gmail.com | (240) 452-7389

Lesson plan connections:
 Preservation Infographic | Preparing for the Field Trip | Travel Brochure

Curriculum standards met:

  • United States History National Standards: Era 5, Civil War and Reconstruction (1850 – 1877) Standards 1, 2, and 3 (depending on the individual studied)
  • Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts, grade 8: Writing 7; Speaking and Listening 1, 4, 5; Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 2, 7, 9; Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 5, 7
  • College, Career and Civic Life Framework: Dimension 2. History 3. 6-8 and 2.6-8

Union Mills Homestead

Union Mills Homestead_thumb.jpgPair a visit to Gettysburg with an exploration of the experience of civilians, specifically members of the Shriver family, who lived in the region during the Civil War. Union Mills is a family homestead with a working gristmill dating back to the late 1700s. Along with a tour of the house, students can visit with a working blacksmith, carpenter and miller and see the operating mill on the property. Tours can be easily customized to meet the needs and interests of groups. Book early because the open season is somewhat limited to the late spring—early fall.

Location:
3311 Littlestown Pike
Westminster, MD 21158
Get Directions

Site contact:
Jane Sewell, Executive Director
info@unionmills.org | (410) 848-2288

Lesson plan connections:
 Scene by Scene | Preparing for the Field Trip | Travel Brochure

Curriculum standards met:

  • United States History National Standards: Era 5, Civil War and Reconstruction (1850 – 1877) Standards 1, 2, and 3  
  • Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts, grade 8: Writing 5, 9; Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 4, 5; Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 2, 6, 9; Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 1, 5, 7
  • College, Career and Civic Life Framework: Dimension 2. History 1, 6-8, 3. 6-8 and 2.6-8

 

 

The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area's Preservation Education Initiative is generously funded by the Delaplaine Foundation and a grant from the Department of Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior. Additional support was provided by the Frederick County Tourism Reinvestment in Promotion & Product program. For information about the other great things to see and do in Frederick County: 800-999-3613 or www.Visitfrederick.org. 

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