In February 2011 a group of teachers, accompanied by Dr. John Stauffer of Harvard University, flew from Boston to Memphis, TN and from there traveled by bus through the South visiting sites of historic importance to the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, seeking a better understanding of each period and of the relationship between them.
This video was filmed at a conference held in May, 2011 at Burlington High School in Massachusetts. You’ll see what looks like a science fair, but is actually a “lesson fair” where the participants shared lessons they created and taught after the trip. Each traveler also created a digital story responding to the prompt, “How has this trip shaped my understanding of my role as an educator?” These were shown at the conference and three teachers joined Dr. Stauffer for a panel discussion.
Phil Gay of Tufts University, who is a partner and advisory board member of Making Freedom, interviewed the teachers during the conference, and created this video to document the impact of the study tour.
Is this the same John Stauffer who collaborated a year or two ago with the journalist, Sally Jenkins, on the book about Mississippi during the Civil War called the State of Jones?
Hi Craig,
Yes. Whatever you might think about that book, Stauffer has long been involved in history education programs. He just edited a massive collection of accounts about John Brown – well worth looking at.
Fascinating. There is nothing better than touching your passion. Tactile is very important. What I found most interesting was the experience of Gail Cody, the African American teacher. I don’t think I can begin to understand what the experience must have meant for her but I’m sure it will make history come more alive for her and her students.