This workshop is intended to engage children between the ages of 5 and 13 in an active, exciting study of their local history which (hopefully) marks the beginning of a life-long interest in history.

Drawing on a holistic approach which applies hearts, minds, and imaginations to the observation of history, children will become “young historians”. Their observations, projects, and ideas will be recorded in the journals which will be provided for them.

Specifically, the activities, projects, field trips, and lectures are intended to nourish and encourage the development of the following thinking skills and models:

1. •Journaling: Taking notes, drawing pictures and maps, collecting scraps, and the multiple means in which we construct our own accounts of the world around us.
   

2. •“Unpacking stories”: Thinking analytically and critically about history. Learning to ask questions.
   

3. •Investigating with empathy: Drawing on our sense of empathy as a tool for understanding the world and engaging the past.
   

4. •Applying the “tools of the trade” to exploring and creating historical narratives, as well as to individual research projects on a local character or landmark.
   

Young historians will learn (in varying degrees) how to investigate history using  maps, archives, timelines, interviews, historical landmarks, music, dance, and art. We will benefit from a plethora of lectures and discussions with local historians, including professors, authors, and craftsmen.

At the end of the workshop, young historians will present the results of their individual local research projects at the Young Historians Gala, to which all parents and interested friends or family members are invited.

During the course of the week, parents and/or older siblings are encouraged to come and spend the day with us. Their assistance, insight, carpooling “abilities”, and any special skills would be greatly appreciated.

In designing this workshop, we were inspired and assisted by the National Park Service’s Teaching with Places, the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching and learning, the Charlotte Mason Method, and the beautiful inquisitiveness of the young minds which turn our drudgery into delight.