MARIST, BOCES TEAM UP FOR GRANT TO HELP HISTORY TEACHERS

POUGHKEEPSIE - History teachers in Dutchess and Ulster counties will receive help from Marist College to upgrade American history instruction, thanks to an $837,486 grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant, awarded to Dutchess County BOCES, was developed by the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College, in conjunction with Ulster County BOCES. It was one of 114 awards nationwide as part of the Department's 2002 Teaching American History Program.

"Working with Ulster BOCES, Marist College and the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College, we will be able to give teachers of American history rigorous staff development opportunities drawing upon the rich history and resources of the Hudson Valley," said Dr. John Pennoyer, Dutchess BOCES district superintendent.

The project, "Freedom and Dignity: The Exploration of American Democracy," will examine the themes and resources of the Hudson River Valley which highlight the unique and important contribution the region played in American history.

"This Department of Education grant will allow us to teach teachers about the roots of American democracy in the Hudson River Valley so that they can then inspire their students to learn about the rich heritage of this region." Dr. James M. Johnson, Director, Hudson River Valley Institute.

Teachers will have access to the digitized archives made available through Marist and the college's Hudson River Valley Institute, a regional history center whose partners include an extensive network of collaborating institutions including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute in Hyde Park, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley Greenway, and the National Maritime Historical Society.

Week-long summer institutes will immerse teachers in the following areas: the American Revolution: the Creation of American Democracy; the Underground Railroad: the Extension of American Democracy; Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal and World War II: the Defense of American Democracy; and Eleanor Roosevelt, Post-War America and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Democracy for All. The summer institutes will be held for three years, beginning in 2003.

This comprehensive staff development program will integrate technology and inquiry-based American history instruction. The Hudson River Valley Institute digital library will serve as a portal to house and disseminate the learning modules.

"This is a very important recognition for the Hudson River Valley Institute. We are pleased that the Department of Education has recognized the effort we are making in the education of the young people of this region." Dr. Thomas Wermuth, Executive Director, Hudson River Valley Institute.

The Hudson River Valley Institute Web site can be found at www.hudsonrivervalley.net.