Education Updates for 2016

Hello Friends!

I always enjoy New Year’s Day because it often feels like a brand new start. 2016 is no exception, especially for the National D-Day Memorial. After a strong year for the Education department in 2015, we are positioned to expand our educational offerings in 2016. It’s an incredible opportunity we have to share the legacy of our D-Day and World War II veterans and we do not take that for granted. Here’s a little bit of what we have coming up in 2016:

New Director of Education

John Long, Director of Education
National D-Day Memorial Foundation

Shortly after Felicia left in the fall of 2015, the Memorial started a search for someone with extensive experience in curating, grantwriting, historical research and an education background, particularly related to WWII and specifically D-Day. In October, the Foundation hired John Long as the new Director of Education. John previously served as the Executive Director of the Salem Museum and Historical Society and has taken over educational initiatives at the monument while working on evaluating the Foundation’s archival and artifact collection as the Memorial considers future plans for an educational facility. His experience is an incredible asset to the Memorial as we expand on-site and virtual programming in the coming year. Be on the lookout for blogs from him this spring on various artifacts in our collection and topics related to WWII and D-Day.

Prelude to Invasion

Living historians from previous education
events at the Memorial

Each year we host an event open to the general public called Prelude to Invasion that also serves as our annual Scout Day. However in 2016, we are revamping this event to focus on the Allied preparations for D-Day through WWII era encampments, interactive activities with living historians, military gear, live 1940’s era radio broadcasts, and more! There will also be WWII veterans present who will share stories of their time in the war throughout the day.

Our scouting component of the event is also more extensive this year with activities based on the Memorial’s values of valor, fidelity, and sacrifice, to earn a special patch featuring our arch. We are also offering the opportunity for Boy Scouts to complete a merit badge, Scouting Heritage, during this event for an additional fee. Prelude to Invasion: Meet the Allies will be on April 23, 2016 from 10:00-5:00 with discounted pricing of $4 for scouts and scout leaders who pre-register. Contact education@dday.org for more information.

Virtual Field Trips

Another exciting development for Education at the Memorial is the expansion of our virtual programming. In 2016, we are updating our technology in our virtual studio and expanding our programming to cover topics that hit vital history curriculum standards, such as STEM in WWII, Minorities in WWII, and others. These upgrades will allow us to reach more classrooms and groups across the country, and even the world, through video conferencing to share the legacy of D-Day for future generations.

This is only just a glimpse of what’s ahead, but I am excited for what 2016 has in store for the National D-Day Memorial and I hope that you are too!

Until Next Time,

Maggie

History Explorers: Developing an Interest in History for Today’s Youth

Hello, Friends!

One of the things I love to do is to help students and the general public develop a deeper understanding and love for history. While I get to do this regularly with field trips and giving tours of the Memorial, I only have around one hour to cover the history of D-Day in the context of World War II. While I have been able to inspire most with the personal stories of D-Day veterans and their families, most of our youth like to learn with their hands and through interactions which is difficult to do with large groups in such a short period of time.

One of our History Explorers watching
rain form from the cloud.

This is why I love our partnership with a local elementary school in the county through the 21^st Century Grant program. Through this partnership, students travel up to the Memorial once a week for eight weeks for an hour each visit. In this time, we get to explore and interact with the history of D-Day. This is what we have done for the past few weeks:

On the third week of the program, we talked about preparing and planning for the D-Day invasion. We talked about, and even tested each other on, requirements to be a part of the military, analyzed the invasion map and created our own, and finally discussed how weather impacted the invasion and did an experiment on how rain forms with shaving cream and food coloring.

  

On the fifth week, we talked about the naval and air operations of the D-Day invasion. We created our own Higgins boats (LCVPs) and tested them to see how much weight they could hold. We also made our own P-51 Mustang paper airplanes.

Our History Explorers shopping for a meal with only
10 ration points and $5. 

Last week, we interacted with artifacts from the homefront and tried our hand at shopping with ration points in the Memorial’s “Piggly Wiggly.” And today, we will be talking about the importance of victory in WWII and how we can honor veterans today. We will be making V-Pins and creating this fun craft as a card to hand out to veterans at the Memorial’s Veterans Day ceremony on November 11^th.

Not only can history be relevant to us today, but we have to remember that it can be fun, as well. That is why I love working with our History Explorers. Instead of learning history through a lecture or PowerPoint in a classroom, we can get our hands dirty and tangible interact with the past in a way that they will remember for years to come.

Until next time,

-Maggie

Day Camp 2015

Hello All,

2014 Day Camp

Looking for a cool way to spend a hot summer day? Then join us for The National D-Day Memorial's "Growing Up in WWII" Summer Day Camp, June 24th-26th!!

If you are a 4th, 5th, or 6th grader then you are eligible to join in the festivities that make Day Camp a highlight of the year. You will be able to learn about the Allied victory in the European and Pacific theaters, celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the end of war. Come find out what caused WWII in the first place, the specific battles that took place, and the victory that changed the world. Also, learn what was happening on the home-front while our country men and women were fighting overseas.

The camp begins on June 24th through June 26th, each day beginning at 0830 and going till 1300 (1:30 PM). Students will be able to experience hands-on history with activities, crafts, period games, and ration-era snack time! They will also receive a t-shirt and souvenir!

Day Camp 2014

So, as a parent, you are asking, "What will my child gain from such an intriguing experience?" I am glad you asked!

"Growing Up in World War II" summer day camp will encourage your youngster to continue in their pursuit of knowledge and history through interactive and mindful activities. Your child(ren) will leave with a greater sense and appreciation for those of our past and present military service. At the conclusion of the wonderful camp, parents, family, and friends are invited to join us to view exhibits created by the campers, to showcase their knowledge!

Camp fees are $60.00 for the first child and $50.00 for each additional child. Fees include a camp t-shirt, craft and activity materials, daily snacks, and instruction. Space is limited, only 35 participants, and preregistration is required by June 19th. A $20.00 nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of registration.

For more information or to register, please contact the Education Department of the National D-Day Memorial by phone at (540) 586-3329. Day camp registration forms are also available online. Day Camp Event

I hope you will join us for our exciting and educational camp!


Take care,
Elizabeth

Home-School Event: April 24, 2015

Calling All Home-Schooled Students!

Want to experience World War II history through interactive stations and living history? Would you like to participate in activities geared towards you and all your friends? Then join us for the National D-Day Memorial Home-School Event on Friday, April 24, 2015, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. All age groups are welcome and fees are $4.00 per person. Children under 6 are free. Space is LIMITED, please register by April 15, tomorrow, at the very latest.

For more information or to register, please contact the National D-Day Memorial's Education Department at (540) 586-3329, ext. 114.

 

Hope to see you all there!

Take Care,

Elizabeth

Prelude to Invasion: National D-Day Memorial Event

Hello All,

I hope you all had a relaxing and beautiful Easter Weekend! Spring is finally upon us; the weather is steadily getting warmer, the vegetation is blooming, warm days are here to stay! Activity is buzzing around the Memorial now that we have moved into the spring season.

If you are in the mood for an education-packed weekend, than I suggest you make a special trip to the National D-Day Memorial on April 18, 2015, 10 AM-5 PM, for our Prelude to Invasion Event! The event is for children young and old but family and guardians are more than welcome to join in the fun!

Special Announcement from our Education Director:

 “The event is designed to showcase the preparations for the Normandy landings. Omar Bradley and a Polish Living History unit will be on display; WWII veterans will be in the education tent, and several authors will be onsite throughout the day. Several stations will be set up on the site that focuses on several aspects on WWII.”

Scouts are encouraged to attend this event and will receive a discounted admission rate, at $4.00 per scout, as well as the chance to earn a special patch. Pre-registration of Scouts is required by April 10. Family members who wish to join their scouts will be charged regular admission upon arrival.

Some notable attractions include,

·         Book signings throughout the day by…

o   Bob Vandeline, Respect: Forgotten Heroes and Korea

o   Zoe Myers, We Two: A Story of War and Love

o   Thomas Carter, Beachhead Normandy: An LCT’s Odyssey

o   Franz Beisser, A time and Place and Red Solstice

·         Jeff Bush will be in attendance with our WWII Veterans

·         Interactive Living History Stations for a firsthand look at military life during the 1940s, and

·         Dave’s Dogs will be available for lunch.

For more information or to pre-register, contact the Memorial’s Education Department at (540) 586-3329, ext. 114.

This event is generously sponsored by American National and Pro Tech Fabrications, Inc.

Hope to see you all there.

Take Care,

Elizabeth

College Life during World War II

Hello All,

First and foremost, I would like to thank all those who were able to come out for our Abbott and Costello event this past Sunday! It was a huge success and we appreciate all those who were involved. Also, a warm thank you to Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler (Abbott and Costello), you guys were fantastic and we enjoyed having you both!

Radford College

Now on to today’s topic! I would like to explore the role college students had during World War II. As a recent graduate of Radford University, I have often wondered what it must have been like for the women who attended school during wartime. What changes did they see? How many stayed behind? How many dropped out to help the war effort?  What changes were made to their everyday life and curriculum? 

Since I, and a few of my colleagues at the Memorial, attended Radford University, I will use this particular school as an example. 

Some may not be aware, but Radford, known then as State Teachers College, was actually an all women’s institution that primarily focused on Education.  Despite the lack of male counterparts, the campus still saw a huge disruption at the onset of the war. Many faculty and staff members felt compelled to serve their country, as did the female students who were looking to support their country by joining the armed forces or working in factories for war manufacturing. In 1942, the War Defense Council was organized and the academic programs were changed to suit the needs of the war. Most classes were adapted to focus on the conflict, such as Pre-Flight Aeronautics, War Craft Math, and Geography for War.

First Aid training, Radford College, WWII.

Despite the decline in enrollment, Radford persisted and even proposed a union with nearby Virginia Tech. This proposal was an effort to bring together higher educational institutes in order to give students the best quality education they could acquire without costing the state an exorbitant amount of money. This merger changed both foundations’ names to what we recognize them as today, State Teachers College became Radford College and the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute became Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Radford, of course, had the Women’s Division of V.P.I. and those women were given the same opportunities as their male equivalents. Joining together gave both schools a chance to thin out similar courses in order to save money, while simultaneously preserving their unique identities.

Student of State Teachers College (Radford College) 1940s.

Even though Radford went through many major changes within a short amount of time, post war enrollment did not skip a beat. Enrollment rates in the later part of the 1940s grew immensely. The school was able to afford necessary renovations and construction plans and by 1948, Radford’s campus stretched beyond its original brick borders. Interestingly enough, other schools saw an increase in female enrollment during wartime because families could now afford to send their daughter’s to school since their son’s were fighting and the ever-important realization that self-efficient and trained women could actually be a huge benefit to the chaotic and uncertain world they lived in.

In addition to the changes in academics, the college students of the 40s were not removed from the everyday effects of wartime rations and services. Many institutes encouraged their students to stay healthy and fit to be prepared for service. To combat the labor shortages in higher education, particularly in labor intensive positions, institutions would have their students provide at least one hour of service each day in order to help sustain a functioning school. Cafeteria style dining became the norm during wartime because of the lack of wait-staff. Today, it would be inconceivable not to have a cafeteria! 

Frances Hilt's Ration book during World War II.

Weekend activities were also affected by the war. Many students felt discouraged to leave for the weekends because of war activities or rationing problems they faced. This helped colleges facilitate a recreational and social atmosphere on campus, which in turn, created unity amongst the students and a readiness to participate in school activates, like student government. What we perceive as normal breaks from school was actually developed as a result of the war. Winter vacation was extended to four weeks in order to give students a much needed break from the demanding work load of school, since they were unable to leave other times of the year.  ‘Spring Break’ was actually spent at school, but the students were given time off from classes. During those times, many of the students would help take care of the grounds and general maintenance. 

Radford University today.

The wartime period of the 1940s was a difficult time for most. But through hard work, dedication, and patriotism, the citizens of the time were able to pull through and succeed, paving the way for the future generations. 

I hope you enjoyed!

Take care,

Elizabeth

Radford History: http://www.radford.edu/content/radfordcore/home/about/history.html

Back to School!

Good afternoon everyone,

First, I want to send a giant THANK YOU out to everyone who has made this one of the best summers at the Memorial.  From the 70th Anniversary Ceremony to Day Camp to everyday visitation, we have been very busy on-site.  Hundreds of people have been on tours learning more about D-Day, the Bedford Boys, and the symbolism in the design of the Memorial.  I would also like to say THANK YOU to all our wonderful, dedicated volunteers who make all that we do possible.  They are the ones out there everyday leading tours, working in the gift store, and assisting in all the programming we do throughout the summer. 

Now that we are starting the new school year, the site is about to start filling up with students.  We offer special SOL-based programming for classrooms 3rd grade and up.  If you are close enough to plan a field trip to the Memorial, students will step back in time as they learn about D-Day and WWII in an authentic GPL military tent.  Starting with a broad overview of the history of WWII and what D-Day means in the larger context of the war, students will handle artifacts that connect them to the history they read and learn about in their classrooms.  Visits to the Memorial conclude with a tour of the Memorial by one of our highly trained tour guides. 

If you are too far for a field trip (or if field trips have been cut from your budget), we have a solution for you!  We now offer two options for distance learning.  The first is a traveling trunk.  We will send you a modified footlocker full of artifacts that relate to the homefront and the front lines, as well as several SOL-based lesson plans ready for use in your classroom.  The second option is a live, virtual programming.  Set up in a studio, the virtual programming is a way our education staff and volunteers can come to you.  Students will be able to interact in real time as they learn about WWII and D-Day. 

Students learning about life in WWII from WWII Veteran

We look forward to seeing all the students up here on-site to carry on the legacy of the largest amphibious invasion to history!  If you would like more information or to book an educational programming, please contact our education department at 540-587-3617 or via e-mail at dday@dday.org. 

Until next time,
Felicia

Around the Memorial: Spring is Here!

Good afternoon everyone! 

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.  I know it has technically been spring for a few weeks now; however, with the snow we had last week, I would beg to differ.  It is a beautiful day here in Bedford at the National D-Day Memorial, and boy are we having a busy day.  With the 70th Anniversary a little over two months away (and the weather finally cooperating), we have begun preparations on-site for the ceremony.  Today, we had a team of men cutting up part of the sidewalk in order to install our new homage sculpture in a few months.  The jackhammer has been loud all morning, but we know that we are pushing toward the future. 

On top of that, we also installed our new education tent.  Some of you may know that back a few weeks ago, our tent succumbed to the weight of the snow, during a particularly heavy snow storm.  We have been waiting for weeks to put up our new tent, and finally the day arrived.  The weather has been perfect today for the installation of the tent.  I would like to say thank you to all the staff involved in putting up the tent (Martin, Ron, and Jamie) and to the Town of Bedford Electric Department for coming out to lift the new tent up and over the existing framework. 

To wrap up my day, the cherry blossoms are about to bloom and my students from Big Island Elementary finally was able to do a little planting in the garden!  Today we planted beets, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, and radishes.  Special thanks goes out to all the Master Gardeners who donate their time teaching these students about gardening, and to Moneta Farm and Home Center for donating the seeds.  I just love this time of year and getting to spend most of the day outside around the site talking to people. 

Be sure to come visit us next Saturday, April 12th from 10-5 for our first living history event of the year!  Prelude to Invasion includes several craft stations and living historians discuss what it took to plan and prepare for the largest amphibious invasion.  Remember, this is our annual scout day - if you are a girl scout or boy scout leader and you would like your troop to attend this event free of change, please contact the education department via e-mail at dday@dday.org.  Scouts and scout leaders who register for the event and attend in uniform will be given free admission throughout the day.  Registration ends April 9th.

I hope to see you all soon!

Until next time,

Felicia

70th Anniversary: Deadline Extension for Operation Thank You

Help the National D-Day Memorial make the 70^th Anniversary of D-Day special to the service men and women who were involved in the invasion by saying “THANK YOU” in a creative way!  The Operation THANK YOU contest offers students in grades K-12 a way to get involved in the anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II.  The entries have to be visual in nature – collages, photos, and similar media – and the winning entry will be featured in the 70^th D-Day Anniversary commemoration program this June 6^th. 

Numerous entries have been received, mostly from schools in North Carolina.  The National D-Day Memorial wants to see what the rest of the country can do, so they are extending the deadline to April 1, 2014.  “The entries we have so far this year have been very creative, and we can’t wait to see what else we get before the deadline.  This is a wonderful, unique way to say our thanks to the men and women of the greatest generation” says Memorial Education Coordinator Felicia Lowrance.  So far, students have spelled THANK YOU out with their bodies and have drawn original pieces of art showing what freedom and liberty means to them. 

Operation “THANK YOU” was launched by the National D-Day Memorial in October 2013 in preparation for the 70^th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2014.  Get creative and say THANK YOU to veterans who will travel to the National D-Day Memorial from across the country to be part of the 70^th Anniversary Commemoration.  Entries must be received by April 1^st to be eligible. 

Full details about Operation THANK YOU, including contest rules, are available at the National D-Day Memorial’s website under “70^th Anniversary” at www.dday.org or by calling (800) 351-DDAY.

Until next time, 

Felicia