What middle and high school outreach programs do you offer to the public?
The Museum of Connecticut History has several programs that we can present in your classroom. They are suitable for middle through high school students. They bring stories of Connecticut’s history to life with hands-on activities and exploration.
A Comfortable Front: Harry Everett Townsend and the Realities of War
What was life like for World War I soldiers? In this program, students learn about the war through the art of Harry Everett Townsend. Townsend did not fight in the war, but he went close to the front lines. He watched soldiers work, rest, and prepare for battle. He then used art to tell their stories. Students learn that war is more than fighting. It includes waiting, fear, teamwork, and hope. Through Townsend’s art, students see how artists help people understand history’s power. He was one of only eight artists chosen to show what the war looked like. To further enrich the experience, we used firsthand accounts from Connecticut soldiers.
Students learn about:
- Art made during World War I
- Life in the trenches
- Photos, letters, and stories from Connecticut soldiers
This program was created for the New Britain Museum of American Art in 2018.
Connecticut in the Great War
World War I is also called the Great War. Many people from Connecticut helped during this time. When the United States entered World War I, Connecticut was ready to help. Young men and women left home to serve their country. Many traveled far away for the first time. Back home, people also did their part. They saved food, raised money, and worked long hours in factories. Everyone worked together to support the soldiers and protect freedom. More than 40,000 people from Connecticut served in World War I. Some fought overseas. Others helped at home.
Connecticut helped by:
- Sending soldiers to fight in Europe
- Making clothes, weapons, and supplies
- Holding food drives and fundraisers
- Working with French allies
- Building monuments to honor soldiers
Connecticut’s efforts helped protect freedom at home and abroad.
Digging Into History: WWI Trench Restoration in France
The Connecticut Heritage Foundation ran this award-winning program. It gave Connecticut students the chance to go to France. There, they saw how hard life was for World War I soldiers. They even experienced trenches that were muddy, crowded, and dangerous. By helping restore these trenches, students honored the soldiers who served there. All the while, they worked with French students. Together, everyone experienced how people from different countries learn from each other.
Students experienced the following:
- Traveled to Seicheprey, France
- Worked side by side with French students
- Helped clear World War I trenches
- Learned about Connecticut soldiers
Digging into History: From Rochambeau to Edwards: 250 years of Franco-Connecticut friendship
Digging Into History returned with a new program in Bolton, Connecticut. This program helped students see history where it happened. It also engaged Connecticut’s long friendship with France. These close friendships began during the American Revolution. During that time, Comte de Rochambeau marched through our state. Admiral d’Estaing then sailed our waters during the First World War. During World War I, we strengthened our bonds. That time marks when General Clarence Ransom Edwards led the Yankee Division into the Western Front.
Since then, Connecticut has always had a soft spot for our friends across the Atlantic. And one can see why. Our own Christine Pittsley examined this friendship through history’s lens. She and the students stood on the same land where French soldiers once marched and camped. She also shared accounts from military members and monuments alike. Most of all, she focused on how we continue these bonds across time and oceans.
Students learned how important teamwork was during the American Revolution. They also learn that history is not just in books. It is all around us, even in our own towns. Best of all, we flipped the script. Last time, we went to France to learn about Connecticut soldiers. This time, we brought 15 French students to Connecticut to learn about French soldiers during the American Revolution!
Students accomplished the following:
- Learned history together
- Dug and studied the land
- Shared culture and made friends
Doughboy Discovery
Doughboy Discovery helps students and families find World War I statues in Connecticut. These statues honor American soldiers. Find Doughboy statues in town centers, parks, and near schools. Many people walk past them every day without knowing their stories. This program teaches students how to look closely at monuments. They learn how statues help us remember people and events from long ago.
What are Doughboy statues?
- Made of bronze
- Show a soldier in action
- Built to honor World War I soldiers
You can find them in towns like:
- Bethel
- East Hartford
- Stamford
How you can help:
- Look for statues in your town
- Take pictures and write down what they say
- Share what you find with historians