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Washington D.C.

National Museum of American History Perfect for Social Studies and History Students

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The National Museum of American History is part of the Smithsonian and is a great place for student groups to learn more about American history.

For social studies and history students, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is a place for learning about any era of U.S. History. The ongoing exhibits are numerous and tackle larger topics such as:  The American Presidency:  A Glorious Burden, America on the Move, and American Heroes.  Some exhibits focus on a specific period in American History, such as Changing America: The Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963.

The artifact walls are rotating exhibits that highlight great American achievements in the arts, science, social and political organizations and more.  The quintessential American experience is explored in this museum, filled with interactive exhibits that student travelers enjoy, engaging them more deeply in the study of history.

There are even online exhibitions, such as Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life, that coincide nicely with a study of the Civil War. These online exhibits can be used by teachers to prepare for student tours of Washington D.C. in advance and to augment classroom studies.

For teachers interested in taking a class trip to the National Museum of American History, there are many options to choose from. I will suggest visits to some of the ongoing exhibits. Teachers and trip leaders should also check the National Museum of American History’s website to see which Artifact Walls exhibitions will be on view.   The Artifact Walls series are rotating and cover many topics that may be of interest to student groups.

Students of social studies and history may be studying just one era of history. Most likely, their examination of American history will span long periods of time, such as the Colonial Era, Early American History, the Revolutionary War and Civil War.  Others may be examining the early 20th Century, World War I & World War II and Social and Political Revolutions of the 1960s and 70s.   Modern American history is also of interest to many students. Groups will find it all at this museum.

Some ongoing exhibits students will benefit from include:  The American Presidency:  A Glorious Burden. With artifacts and personal items from 43 presidents in the collection there are sure to be interesting things to learn. Teachers may elect to focus on one or several presidents who governed during the historical period being studied.

Another exhibit that may be of interest to students studying the expansion and development of the American frontier is Conestoga Wagon and Hand-Pumped Fire Engine. Wagons were a necessary component of the American pioneer’s lifestyle and livelihood, enabling them to carry people and goods long distances.  The hand-pumped fire engine was also a necessity. Many were designed for use in urban areas where fires could spread to whole neighborhoods.

Lighting a Revolution is another exhibit that may be of interest to student travelers. Edison’s light bulb changed the everyday life of Americans forever, helping to introduce the use of electric lighting instead of gas or candles and electric appliances and other inventions to the free market.

The Price of Freedom, Americans at War is an exhibit that will enhance studies of many wars from the Revolutionary War period to the present day.  The use of personal narratives to tell the stories of American history is a common educational tool used in these exhibits that has the effect of bringing history closer.

Souvenir Nation:  Relics, Keepsakes and Curios is an ongoing exhibit at the Smithsonian Castle, where students can also have a snack or drink at the café and use the free wifi available.  Trip leaders may want to schedule a morning or afternoon at the National Museum of American History to have time to take it all in.

Request a quote for a history or social studies student trips to Washington, D.C.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Popular Smithsonian Museum for Student Travel Groups: National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC

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The National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. is a popular place for student travel groups to visit.

One of the most popular stops on a student tour of Washington D.C. is the National Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Museums.  The Smithsonian Museum is so vast it would be a huge challenge to construct a student group tour of each museum on just a four to five day visit. So, educators and student trip leaders need to be selective about which Smithsonian Museum fit best with curricular objectives.  For science, history and social studies students who want to be exposed to the evolution of air and space travel – the National Air and Space Museum is a winning choice.  Students learn through contemporary interactive exhibits designed to keep their attention.

This overview of the National Air and Space Museum will highlight major parts of it. This is a great snapshot of the Museum’s offerings, so student trip leaders can plan on which places in the Museum and exhibits to include in their visit beforehand.  Social studies, history and science teachers may be interested in using educational materials found on the website to prepare students in advance of a student trip to Washington D.C. Visit the Explore and Learn section of the National Air and Space Museum website to download classroom materials.

National Air and Space Museum Exhibits
There are so many exhibits to choose from at the Museum in Washington D.C. Some historical exhibits include: Early Flight, Apollo to the Moon and the Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery.  Exhibits that showcase contemporary technology developed by scientists include:  Lunar Exploration Vehicles, Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Moving Beyond Earth. These are just a sampling of a long list of extraordinary topics related to air and space.

For history students, a focus on specific periods may work best. Many students study the major U.S. conflicts. See World War I; the Pre-1920 Aviation exhibit, which covers this era; and, World War II Aviation spans the 1930s and 1940s.  One of the most popular exhibits at the Museum is Spirit & Opportunity: 10 Years Roving Across Mars.  This particular exhibit focuses on notable accomplishments of two Mars Rovers and is on exhibit through September 14, 2014.  Learn more about other exhibits by visiting:  http://www.airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/mer/.

Albert Einstein Planetarium
Student groups may have time to catch a show at the Planetarium.  Shows last only 25 minutes.  Choose from Journey to the Stars, Undiscovered Worlds and What’s New in Space Science. All movies are scheduled at different times during the day, usually in half hour increments. So when student groups visit they may be able to work one movie in.

Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater
Viewing a show at the IMAX Theater at the National Air and Space Museum will cost extra for the students and chaperones in the group, but it’s well worth $7.50-10 fee.  IMAX films are as close to re-creation of reality as possible, heightening sight, sound,  and vision for the spectator.  Choose an IMAX movie that parallels nicely with classroom activities. These include:  Air Racers 3D (Watch Reno Air Races from a pilot’s view), Hubble 3D (Astronauts on a mission to save the Hubble Space Telescope), The Dream is Alive (Space Shuttle simulations), and To Fly! (A journey through the history of flight).

Public Observatory
On a group visit to the National Air and Space Museum, try to schedule enough time for students to visit the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory.  Access to the Observatory is through the East Terrace.  Hours are 12-3 p.m. Wednesday thorough Sunday, weather permitting, so there is a small window of opportunity. The reward is that on clear days students can observe the sun, the moon, and phases of Venus, as well as other sights and phenomenon.

For those interested in the development of aircraft and air travel and space exploration, a visit to the National Air and Space Museum is probably the most comprehensive view of the history of U.S. technological advances over the past century – and into the future. This is the type of Museum most students, teachers and chaperones can get excited about visiting.  To plan a student trip to Washington D.C. that includes the National Air and Space Museum, visit Educational Travel Consultants website.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Student Travel Groups Visiting Washington DC Gain New Perspectives from Capitol Dome Repair and Restoration

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The deterioration of the dome of America’s Capitol Building has taken a toll on this notable historic structure. With the oxidation of the cast iron girders and mortar in particular, the Capitol Building is in dire need of repair.  Old paint needs to be removed, iron and stone repairs are needed and a fresh coat of paint needs to be expertly applied to one of this country’s most popular landmarks.  This important work must take place over a course of time.  The Capitol Dome in Washington D.C. is a marvel of engineering built during the American Civil War and was subject to the pressures of that era.  Now it will be stabilized and improved using contemporary engineering methods.

Over the years, many structural pieces have already been removed from the Capitol as the building has degraded. But the pieces have been removed to protect passersby below. Now a thorough repair to the Capitol dome will begin, and with it will come a new look at historical perspectives of its design and construction for student travel groups.

The U.S. Capitol Building's iconic dome is an American legacy that must be properly preserved. The Capitol Dome is under renovation to improve its structure.

While the improvements to the Capitol are underway, a vast system of white canopies will be installed to protect the public.  The doughnut shaped configuration of the protective canopy will be lit from within at night while workers reconstruct the dome.  Most work will take place in evenings and on weekends, leaving time and space for student tours of Washington D.C.  In many ways this is the best possible time to be a visitor as tours will include much added information surrounding the reconstruction:  the original engineers, proposed drafts, materials, symbolism, and challenges to building in the midst of the bloody Civil War.

Student groups visiting Washington D.C. will take the official U.S. Capitol Building Tour. This is one of the best tours in D.C., with extremely knowledgeable guides who will help history and social studies students become informed about the Capitol’s history and recent renovations. Capitol Building tours take student groups through the vast halls of national sculpture, paintings and tapestries.  Tours begin in the orientation theaters for viewing the short educational film titled, “Out of Many, One.”  All official tours start at 8:50 a.m. and at 3:20 p.m., every Monday through Saturday.  Have a student travel company with experience in organizing educational trips to Washington D.C. schedule the Capitol tour well in advance, to ensure a visit.

Be sure to be part of the special tour “Capitol and the Congress During Civil War.”  This special tour is in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, and will include exclusive stops at the Old Supreme Court Chambers. Be sure to ask a student travel company representative for passes to this special tour.  There are a limited number of passes given out each day, and the tour begins promptly at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The U.S. Capitol Dome was constructed during the Civil War era. Learn more about the repairs that are being done on this historic landmark.

The Capitol offers another special tour that is offered Monday through Friday at 2 p.m.:  the Brumidi Corridors Tour.  Designed by Constantino Brumidi in the mid nineteenth century, these corridors are unique in their mastery of painting and tile work.  This tour is approximately thirty minutes in length and takes groups through the Senate wing on the first floor of the Capitol.  The tour guide will discuss the exquisite paintings on the walls and ceiling of the corridor.  There is no other corridor like it, and this tour is strongly recommended.

Every Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. in Exhibition Hall there is a special thirty-minute program called, “Exhibition Hall Family Program.”  This talk details how the Capitol was expanded over time and how it impacts the laws and what goes into making legislative decisions that change all of our lives.

Students may also visit the restaurant or gift shop in the Capitol Building on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. It is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. The restaurant serves a wide variety of soups, salads, special entrees, pizzas, and desserts – all recipe items designed to reflect the different regions of the United States. The gift shop specializes in merchandize inspired by the U.S. Capitol’s art and architecture.

Learn more about a school trip to Washington D.C.  Or, request a quote by filling out a short inquiry online.

Blog, Washington D.C.

Washington DC Cathedrals Premiere Destinations for Catholic Student Travel Groups

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by Howard Clemens

For Catholic student travel groups, Washington D.C. cathedrals offer some of the most historical and beautiful tourist sites in the nation—and, many say, the world. Washington’s cathedrals are architectural marvels, modeled after the great churches of Europe and comparable to them in grandeur and craftsmanship. Every year, the city’s cathedrals welcome thousands of tourists and student travel groups looking for an historical and spiritually enlightening experience. Below are some of the city’s most awe inspiring and famous buildings.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, built in a magnificent Romanesque-Byzantine style, is one of the ten largest churches in the world, and the largest Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. and North America. Among many other features, it is famous for its brilliantly colored and detailed mosaics, as well as its 70+ oratories and chapels. It also boasts the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art in the world. The Basilica has been visited by countless luminaries over the years, including Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. It is open all year round, and offers a wealth of traditional ceremonies for students to experience, including daily masses and ceremonies. The Shrine welcomes thousands of visitors per year, including many student travel groups, and it remains a favorite destination for students from all over the world. Teachers and students can get a preview of the remarkable sights that await them by visiting the Basilica’s official website and taking a virtual tour.

Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral has been host to a dazzling array of historical events, including Martin Luther King’s last sermon and Theodore Roosevelt’s 1907 speech, which dovetailed with its opening in the same year. Known as “a spiritual home for the nation,” the cathedral is notable for its exquisite design and interior. There is a sculpture of Darth Vader up in its northwest tower—the result of a children’s sculpture contest sponsored by National Geographic magazine in the Star Wars heyday of the 1980s. A blend of the ancient and the contemporary have made this beautiful structure a fun and popular destination for student travel groups for decades. The cathedral also offers a series of educational programs and lectures. Some of the sessions include meals and discussion.

The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

The Italian-Renaissance style Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle opened in 1840. Among other things, it is famous for being the site of John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963, and contains a plaque memorializing the late president. The cathedral itself is built in the form of a 155 cross, with a dome of 190 feet. The building seats one thousand people and is as renowned for the majesty of its holiday ceremonies as it is for being one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. With its large seating capacity, this cathedral is ideal for student travel groups looking to experience the beauty of traditional ceremonies, like the St. Anthony Novena, held on Tuesday evening, and the Miraculous Medal Novena, held on Wednesday evenings.

Student travel group leaders can plan a trip that includes a tour of the main cathedrals in Washington D.C. and include a list of other destinations, too.  Select from the many museums, galleries, monument tours, and historical sites to add to an itinerary. Student trips focused on government may visit the White House and Capitol if they want to experience the full spectrum of the city’s variety. Washington D.C. is the birthplace of the nation.  It is also a great place for students to get a feel for the elaborately built and famous cathedrals, built by master craftsman.  A cathedral tour can certainly help students connect with religion and help them gain a keen sense of European influence and architecture.

Request a quote for a student tour of Washington D.C.

Articles, New York City

War of 1812 Bicentennial Events Offer Diverse Interactive Experiences for Student Travel Groups

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By Howard Clemens

Many celebrations for the War of 1812 Bicentennial are planned for this year, providing a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for student travel groups to participate in festivities, lectures, and interactive events that honor this pivotal event in American and British history.  Events are planned throughout the year, all over the United States, so there are many options for student travel groups to choose from.

Some student tour groups may want to travel to Baltimore and Washington D.C., where many events are planned to celebrate pivotal battles.  Other groups may travel to New Orleans. Some student trips may focus on a trip to Fort Niagara, not far from Niagara Falls, and couple this with a tour of New York City – taking the opportunity to see historical sites there.

Here is a sampling of some of the War of 1812 activities that will appeal to educational travel groups. For the most up-to-date information, consult appropriate websites, because events will be announced throughout this year and into 2015.

War of 1812 Events to Offer Historical Reenactments, On-site Tours, and More

New Orleans Commemorates the War of 1812
The world famous City of New Orleans hosts one of the most epic bicentennial celebrations of all: one that spans four years. Beginning in 2012 and ending in 2015, the celebration features a dazzling array of visiting ships, air shows, and other festivities, including touring ships that will be making their way to ports from New Orleans to Virginia to Baltimore to Boston.

Battle of Baltimore and Composition of the Star Spangled Banner Celebrated in September

Further up the coast, the Fort McHenry Star-Spangled Banner Celebration will occur September 13-15, 2013. This celebration pays homage to Defender’s Day, also known as Baltimore’s oldest holiday. The festivities, which take place in Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Md., commemorate Francis Scott Key’s writing of the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as the Battle of Baltimore and the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Festivities will include historical reenactments and cannon demonstrations, as well as parades and a lineup of educational and historical presentations.

Boston, Massachusetts Commemorates the War of 1812

The USS Constitution Museum in Boston will also be holding many special events throughout the year. Though the majority of major events and dignitary speakers are slated for the summer, there are still plenty of commemorative programs going on through the spring and fall.  Students can also visit the Old Ironsides War of 1812 Discovery Center, which is open throughout the year and features games and interactive exhibits.

Many Notable Bicentennial Events to Take Place in Proximity to Niagara Falls

Many of the War of 1812 battles occurred around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, so several bicentennial festivities will be taking place in that area.  On December 19, 2013, the Anniversary of the Capture of Fort Niagara, billed as a “once in a lifetime bicentennial event” will be observed at Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY, a magnificent location not far from Niagara Falls. Fort Niagara, a National Historic Landmark, has more than 100,000 visitors a year, including many student travel groups. The Fort has an extensive collection of 18th and 19th Century military materials, as well as many living history reenactments, educational programs, and archaeological and historical exhibits. Fort Niagara’s ready proximity to Niagara Falls makes it easy for student groups to take a day trip there, too.  Many student tour leaders choose to combine a trip to Niagara Falls with a visit to New York City.

September 1-10 ushers in the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, one of the War of 1812’s largest naval battles, which established the United States’ control over Lake Erie and led to the winning of the Battle of the Thames.  This historic celebration will take place in Put-on-Bay, Ohio, and feature a “Tall Ships festival” with historical reenactments, fireworks, cannon firings, and other festivities. Students will have the option of taking a day tour of many of the ships, and guided tours are available. Speakers will include representatives from British, Canadian, and Native American Indian groups, as well as other dignitaries, to be announced. Visit the Battle of Lake Eerie Bicentennial website for more information.

The War of 1812 is a major milestone in history, and students lucky enough to travel to any of these destinations during its bicentennial will be rewarded by participating in its many commemorative educational events and festivities. While some events and the attendance of dignitaries are not yet announced, more information can be found by visiting the Official War of 1812 Bicentennial Website or the National Park Service’s website.

Articles, Washington D.C.

The 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg Student Tour Includes Travel to Washington D.C.

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By Howard Clemens

Gettysburg celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War battle.

The 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg is coming up this year.  This occasion gives student travel groups a rare opportunity to gain insight into one of the Civil War’s most pivotal events.

Because of the proximity of both places, student trips to Washington D.C. often include tours of Gettysburg. Both excursions offer multiple opportunities for interactive learning.

The Gettysburg battlefield, located in the quaint, picturesque town of the same name, has many events planned for the anniversary. The crowd turn out for the celebrations is expected to be huge, and student travel groups from all over the world are expected to see Gettysburg during the 150th Anniversary celebration.

Special events that are part of the festivities are slated to run through most of the year—from April all the way through November.  Students can experience the Gettysburg Diorama, which is the U.S.’s biggest and most detailed military diorama. Diorama shows run daily, and detail the three days of Gettysburg battle in a fully-narrated light and sound show.

On November 19, 2013 there will be an official ceremony at the Soldier’s National Monument, featuring the US Marine Corps band and a keynote speaker, to be announced. A past keynote speaker was Stephen Spielberg. If student tour schedules can be adapted to include Gettysburg events, a wider range of travel and learning experiences will be available to students and teachers.

Gettysburg 150th Anniversary Lineup Offers Many Creative, Interactive Activities for Students

Students can experience Living History Weekends on the Gettysburg battlefield, which start in April and continue through the end of October. This series includes evening storytelling by the campfire, historical reenactments, and other exciting educational events. The Gettysburg Preservation Walk, a fully narrated, 45 minute guided tour around the battlefield, can help students glean a greater understanding of what living in the time of the Civil War must have been like. A variety of parades, complete with fireworks and full regalia, will also take place regularly throughout 2013.

Students can experience Civil War Lecture Dinner Cruises, or all-day events like the Encounter with History Seminar Series. The Civil War Heritage Foundation offers a Living History Encampment Series, where, according to their website, students will be “welcome to actively learn by strolling through the camp, viewing drills and demonstrations, and engaging in conversation with historians.”

More information about 150th Anniversary events can be found by visiting the Gettysburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website or the National Park Service’s website.

Gettysburg and Washington DC Offer Diverse Educational Travel Experiences for Student Travel Groups

The road from Gettysburg to Washington D.C. encompasses American history along the way. In Washington D.C., travel groups can visit Ford’s Theater, site of President Lincoln’s assassination, and the nearby Peterson House, where he died. Both places can offer profound insights to students, and increase their knowledge of the personal and national impact of the Civil War. Students can also visit the Lincoln Cottage, where Lincoln created the Emancipation Proclamation. The cottage is also notable as “bookending” the Civil War because Lincoln first visited it three days prior to his inauguration and last visited it on the day before he was assassinated. And, as ever, there are many other activities for student tour groups visiting the Washington D.C. area, like strolling through the Botanical Gardens, visiting Georgetown, or taking one of the many cruises the city offers, like the famous Cherry Blossom Cruise (great for groups traveling in the springtime) or the Spirit of Washington cruise.

Gettysburg’s 150th anniversary is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to engage in active learning experiences and studies about the Civil War. Student travel group leaders who choose to create tours of both locations give their students a wider lens to view the Civil War and its implications.  Student groups traveling to Gettysburg for the 150th Anniversary will remember this point in contemporary history as they reflect upon the past.

For more information on student tours of Gettysburg and Washington D.C., visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Washington Monument still Closed to the Public and Student Travel Groups

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by Howard Clemens

The Washington Monument is a popular student travel destination.

The Washington Monument, a popular student travel destination, is still closed for repairs as of February 2013, and the National Park Service is predicting that it may remain closed until 2014.

The Washington Monument was damaged when a rare earthquake struck the East Coast August 23, 2011. Though the impact of the quake was comparatively slight, it was enough to significantly afflict the 555 feet structure. Hurricane Irene, which made landfall later that year, did further damage, particularly to the top of the pyramid-shaped landmark. The elevator system inside the structure was also compromised, though it has since been repaired.  Over the last several years, nature has certainly taken its toll on this historic Washington D.C. monument.

Completed in 1885 and opened to the public in 1888, the Washington Monument is the tallest stone-and-obelisk structure in the world. Located near the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool, it is one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Countless student trips have visited the inside of the structure and enjoyed the epic views from its observation windows. The White House, the US Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, the Potomac River, the Smithsonian Museum, and many other famous attractions are all viewable from the monument’s observation areas.

The structure may or may not still be visible during its repair process. The popularity of student tours of Washington D.C. hasn’t declined since the attraction closed, and there is a wealth of other things for student groups to do and see in Washington.

Washington Monument can still be Incorporated into Student Travel Trips

Though students will not have access to the Monument, teachers can use the Web as an excellent tool to prepare students prior to trips. Narrated, virtual tours of the Washington Monument are available online, via YouTube.com and various educational websites, which teachers can use to pique students’ interest in exploring Washington D.C. Washington’s walking tours (like those conducted by organizations like DC By Foot , Washington Walks, Walk of the Town, and numerous others) are as popular as ever, and most feature comprehensive information and/or mini-lectures about the Monument and its history.

Most student trips incorporate a visit to many different famous DC monuments through a monuments tour (which may include the Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Korean, Vietnam, and World War II Memorials). A monument tour is a wonderful way for students to get their fill of D.C. history and learn more about the many monuments in Washington D.C. Groups can also visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian Museums, Ford’s Theater, the National Archives, and the Botanical Gardens (which are in bloom year-round).  And there are many historical districts to take in, like the Dupont Circle Historic District, the 16th Street Historical District, the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District, and the nightlife of bustling Georgetown. In springtime, a stroll through Washington D.C. means enjoying the famous cherry trees – a major attraction for student tour groups.

Washington D.C. also offers a number of cruises, which offer students a particularly unique and exciting way to see the city. The Cherry Blossom Cruises, for example, are a beautiful alternate way for students to take in DC’s scenery, and its monuments.  Student groups can also take a narrated, 45-minute long Monument Cruise, which boards every hour on the half hour and offers spectacular “boat’s eye views” of a full range of Washington D.C. landmarks, including the Washington Monument.

The DC cruise website has a section specifically for student travel groups. Some of the cruises offer lunch or dinner, so teachers can plan the trip around whatever they think would be most exciting and informative for their group.

Since the Washington monument is under construction, its status is subject to change, and updates can be found on the “For Teachers” section of the National Park Service’s website. By checking these and other resources and working with student travel coordinators, teachers can put together an unforgettable, definitive DC experience for students.

Washington D.C.

Student Travel Company Tour of Washington, D.C. a Unique Learning Experience

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Students pose in front of the FDR Memorial.

by Howard Clemens

Jim Roche, Assistant Principal at St. Eugene Catholic School in Point Fox, WI, recently took his students on a student tour of Washington, DC. The student trip was designed to encompass a wealth of cultural and spiritual landmarks, from the Smithsonian to the famous National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Specifically, Roche wanted to give the students a broader picture of American history. He also wanted to encourage classroom spirit and camaraderie.

As it turned out, the expedition was an enlightening and enriching experience for the students, and a great success. The backdrop of Washington D.C., with its exciting city landscape, added to the students’ overall enjoyment, and helped to generate curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. When I had the chance to interview Jim, he went over some notable details of the trip. He also talked about how he felt student travel in general had been beneficial to his classes.

Q. What is your position at St. Eugene School?

A. I am the Assistant Principal

Q.  When you put this trip together, what was your vision?

A. We offered the expedition as an official 8th grade class trip. We’ve been going to Washington D.C. for at least 7 or 8 years, and I think the last 5 or so have been with the travel group we’re using now. Our purpose is twofold: to build unity in the class and to experience the history of our nation.

Q.  Your group visited many of the major sites, such as the U.S. Capitol, the MLK Memorial, the White House, and the National Archives. How do these sites tie in with your studies?

A. The 8th grader studies U.S. History, so the tie-in is perfect. Prior to the trip, the students are asked to research a specific monument or venue and share it with the class. The visit becomes an integral part of their study of U.S. government, as well.

Q.  You chose to bring your group to the Holocaust Museum.  What were students’ reactions to visiting this site?

A. Each student has a different reaction. For some, it is a very intense experience, almost overwhelming. For others, it opens their eyes to the Holocaust in ways they’ve never contemplated before. It’s a must-see for us.

Students have a pizza party when they stop for a break while touring Washington D.C.

Q. Which Smithsonian museums did you visit, and why?

A. Each year we go to the Air & Space Museum. The 8th grade studies Astronomy in the spring, so it helps bring to life their study of the Space Program in particular. We also visit the Natural History Museum, and one other museum that the students get to choose.

Q. As a Catholic school group, it was probably very important to you to bring the children to a mass in Washington D.C. Why did you choose Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception? Can you describe the mass and students’ reaction to having a mass there, as opposed to in their own hometown?

A. In prior years, we’d always gone to the Basilica. It’s obviously much different than our own parish. The students attend Mass in the lower level chapel, which provides a unique liturgical experience for them. The whole atmosphere is reverent and rewarding.

Q.  Describe your visit to the Bureau of Engraving. How did it tie in with educational objectives? What were some of the students’ reactions?

A. The Bureau of Engraving has become a student favorite. It doesn’t really tie in to our curriculum directly. It has more to do with their fascination with the U.S. Mint, and seeing all that money in front of them. I think it’s more about the fun than our curriculum, which is fine with me.

Q. Your student group used the subway as a form of transportation.  How did this impact your trip’s cost?

A. We used the Metro because our class size was so small. Normally, we use a chartered bus and stay 20 or so miles outside the city. It worked out fine this year and allowed us an affordable option. If our travel group had not offered the Metro option, we probably could not have afforded the trip, so I’m grateful they were willing to work with us to find a solution.

Q.  Once they returned to WI and St. Eugene School, were students required to do any post-trip writing or oral presentations?

A. Yes, they prepare scrapbooks and presentations, and write about their experiences. But I think the most important aspect is the memories they have of the trip when they go off to high school, and on their separate ways.

Q. Overall, how would you describe your tour guide and the experience of traveling?

A. They were wonderful to work with. The tour guides have been knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating to our students’ needs. They’re a big reason why we return each year.

Student travel Offers Opportunities to Grow

The great thing about student travel expeditions is that they can be tailored to fit the interests and focuses of any curriculum. Catholic schools, liberal arts schools, and more traditional schools are all able to work with groups to find or create programs that are right for them. There are no limits to the creative educational possibilities the right trip can provide. Student travel packages have something for everyone, and reflect the diversity and value classroom travel can bring to the school experience.

Request a quote for a student trip to Washington D.C. today.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Lessons of History and Freedom: Student Trip to Washington, DC is Enlightening and Eye-Opening for Students

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By Howard Clemens

Recently, teacher Brynley Martin, who has taught eighth grade English Literature and history at Oak Hill Jr. High School for twelve years, took her students on a tour of Washington, DC. It’s a trip her classes make every year, and one that new students look forward to and former ones always remember fondly.  When students travel to Washington D.C., they get to immerse themselves in their fields of study in ways that go far beyond requisite classroom discussion and research.

This particular student tour covers a wide range, from cornerstones like the National Archives (in which the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence are housed) to the many exhibits in the Smithsonian, like the American History and Air and Space Museums. This student travel group also visited Mount Vernon, the plantation of George Washington and landmark of the Revolutionary War.  It was important to Martin that the students also take a close look at the Holocaust Museum—an experience many students have described as profound and life-changing.

I recently interviewed Brynley Martin about her most recent class trip from Converse, Indiana to Washington D.C.

Q: What is your official title at Oak Hill Jr. High School?

A: I am an eighth grade English and Literature teacher.

Q: How often do you take your students on tour in Washington D.C.?

A: This will be my seventh year. The tours have been great, and every one of them is different.  Every student group is composed of students who are seeing and assimilating these sites for the first time.

Q: Have you toured other cities in the US?

A: No, just Washington D.C. so far.

Q: Washington is a city that’s critical for an understanding of U.S. History. How does the tour of DC tie into the class you teach? What specific parts of American history are covered?

A:  We dedicate nine weeks in literature class to the study of the Holocaust. We visit The Holocaust Museum to supplement our studies and to understand the real stories of people who suffered and died in it.  This puts a greater emphasis on what we’ve learned. We also study the origins of the U.S., from the Revolutionary up to the Civil War.

Q: The Newseum is a museum dedicated to news and media in American culture. This ties directly into written and spoken language in English, and the ways it’s used to communicate information. Can you comment on student’s reactions to visiting it?

A: On previous trips, we hadn’t had time to really check things out. But the students loved it. There’s so much stuff to see there, something for everyone.

Q: Your class visited the National Archives. What specifically did you want your students to see there?

A: Specifically, the Declaration of Independence, which is sometimes not the easiest thing to see because the lines are so long. It was great for them to be able to see it in detail during this last trip.

Q: How was your trip to the Holocaust Museum?

A: We always request the full tour there. It is very important to our trip, and the kids are moved by it. They get to learn about the Holocaust through more than just books, which always affects them in profound and significant ways.

Q: Describe any post-trip writing or speaking students were required to perform to assimilate their experiences.

A: All students bring a disposable camera on the trip. They use their photos to create a comprehensive and individual project about their own experience. They present this project to the rest of the class, through the lens of their own point of view.

Q: How long have you been doing these tours? What has been your experience with the tour guides and other staff?

A: I think we’ve been traveling for six years now. The tour guides have been awesome! They are very knowledgeable about Washington D.C. and have always worked well with us to solve any problems that might come up. It’s been a great experience, overall.

Diversity of Impressions and Increased Appreciation of History: Something for Every Student Trip

Every student will take something personal away with them from the trip, while also gaining a greater understanding of history and the way language is used to make and change it. Exposing students to places like the Holocaust Museum is instrumental in promoting an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of history. Up close and personal exposure to exhibits housed in the National Archives and the Smithsonian can provide a fresh and vital perspective for learning. All these make for a uniquely visceral experience that serve to broaden and enhance classroom studies in essential and innovative ways. Martin feels that these trips to Washington D.C. positively impact her students, and broaden their appreciation and knowledge of their studies, so she will continue to take groups on tour.

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Articles, Washington D.C.

Student Travel Groups Heading to Washington D.C.: What’s New?

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For teachers seeking to provide their students with an invigorating, immersive, and comprehensive exposure to art, culture, history, and just about anything else, Washington D.C. is the place to be.  A student trip to Washington D.C. is one of the gold standards of educational travel. Student travel groups have a range of famous landmarks at their fingertips, from Ford’s Theater to Arlington National Cemetery to the Library of Congress to the quaint hustle and bustle of Georgetown. There is something for everyone in this great city, and its liveliness makes for a one-of-a-kind experience that makes learning fun, exciting, and revelatory.

For students studying history, the city is nothing short of an invaluable resource.  Seeing everything could take weeks. For student tour groups on limited schedules, a focused itinerary for a three or four day tour works best.

The list of sites to see is growing now that Washington D.C. has added some new war memorials, a site dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a branch of the Smithsonian that focuses on African American History. Students who visit these places will gain a broader understanding of American history.

The World War II Memorial, on 17th Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues, is surrounded by the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, and combines beautiful architecture with many moving testaments to those who participated in one of the 20th century’s greatest epochs. At the crossroads of these three great attractions, students will get an acute and unforgettable sense of the nation’s past. Featuring the famous “Rainbow Pool” and an its mingling fountains, the memorial is open from 9 am until 11:45 pm, and the National Park Service provides guided tours every hour, on the hour, from 10 am -11pm. Teachers can search the computerized World War II registry for information, and use the material to prepare students for this trip with advance lessons in the classroom.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, at 1964 Independence Avenue on the National Mall is a special address because the street number refers to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The MLK Memorial is a highly unique structure designed, like all of Washington’s memorials, to draw the spectator into a uniquely “hands-on” historical experience. Students can stroll the grounds, which are flanked by an abundance of cherry blossom trees and crepe myrtles, and read stone-etched inscriptions from the “I Have a Dream” speech.  The statue of Dr King itself, as massive and awe-inspiring as the Lincoln Memorial, is almost Egyptian/Sphinxlike in scope.  Visiting this new memorial to an American dedicated to the advancement of civil rights is a must for any group studying African American history and its historical and contemporary impact on the world we live in.

On the same topic, the Smithsonian Museum of African Natural History just had its groundbreaking ceremony in February of 2012, and is scheduled to officially open in 2013. The Museum of African Natural History has exhibits that are presently housed on the second floor of the National Museum of American History. From their current exhibition, “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty” to their upcoming show, ”The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963” (slated to debut in December 2012), the Museum provides a comprehensive and essential overview of African American life down through the generations, from music to sports to arts and politics. Many have been anticipating the opening of this new Smithsonian Museum where African American culture and tradition is highlighted.

Like New York City, Washington D.C. is a city that can be regarded as one of “the crossroads of the world.” There is no end to the varieties of experiences here, whether a student group is touring its many ethnic neighborhoods, dining at a variety of wonderful restaurants, touring the museums, memorials or the Capital and White House, or just steeping themselves in its atmosphere and energy in general. Teachers and student groups have loved the U.S. Capital city for all of its history, government, culture, dining and entertainment and it’s splendid architecture and memorials.

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