Connecting ESSEX LINCs

Fourth Cohort
Wraps Up Workshops in Beverly

“Peopling” is a complex subject that was explored at the Beverly Historical Society on January 14th. Educators were able to discuss how people moved to, around and from Essex County. Interactions by the native peoples of this area with European explorers…early settlements from Gloucester to Salem…the slavery system…motivations for movement – all were topics touched upon. Teachers were excited to discuss the nature of this aspect of American history and think about how they can convey this energy to motivate students.

Patterns of settlement and the differences between regions – N.E, middle and Southern colonies are important curricular highlights. The powerpoints created and presented by the Salem State professors, Austin, Duclos-Orsello and Jay generate discussion topics that teachers can take back to their classroom. Gaining background knowledge gives Essex County educators more for their “toolbox.”

Teachers were given the opportunity to see the holdings of the Beverly Historical Society and tour their facilities. In addition the director, Susan Goganian outlined the educational offerings and upcoming programs of the society.

"Very interesting and full of in-depth information which make connections social, economic, geographic and political. Thank you all for an excellent seminar today and all of them!"

The lesson created for this session by our museum educator, Rebecca Zimmerman, centers in on early impressions of the land area we today call Essex County. Taking Champlain’s journal and map focusing on Beauport, as well as looking at the brief description by John Smith as he passes the coast of Cape Ann, allows younger students to draw a picture based on those writings.

“My students enjoy learning about people that lived long ago. Many of the primary sources that were discussed today will impact my students and help to engage them."

Further on in the lesson, educators will use customized images and descriptions of their own community from 18 th and 19 th century sources to have students examine the changes in their towns. Half of the class will take a reading and the other half will take an picture ---after looking at the details of the source they will create a related drawing or paragraph.

“I loved being treated as a professional - LINCs has a higher level of professional development than that usually offered in my district.”

This is the last session for this particular cohort. Look for their activity plans and related lessons to be added to our growing cache of educational materials.

Some of t he members of this cohort are also looking forward to joining us to further discuss the topics mentioned here this summer!

" This has been such an energizing experience! It has made me rethink how to present the history of my town. I have thoroughly enjoyed these workshops! "

Connecting Essex LINCs is beginning a new set of workshops for the 5th cohort of teachers in February of 2010. We have also applied for an additonal year to present workshops. If you are interested in learning more, contact us!

Connecting ESSEX LINCs: Connecting Elementary Teachers, Sources, and Scholarship to Explore Local History in a National Context.

Beverly Public Schools (BPS) in partnership with Salem State College (SSC), the Essex National Heritage Commission (ENHC) and the National Archives and Records Administration—Northeast Region (NARA) presents Connecting ESSEX LINCs: Connecting Elementary Teachers, Sources, and Scholarship to Explore Local History in a National Context. This project increases elementary school teachers’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of events and topics in American history through an intensive professional development program.