February 28th, 2024
Grand Island Public Schools’ Tyler Madison, 8th Grade American Studies Teacher, and Walnut Middle School D.C. Diplomats group will soon be headed to Washington D.C. and the Gettysburg Battlefield, thanks to a grant from the American Battlefield Trust's Field Trip Fund. This trip will provide students with an exceptional, hands-on history learning opportunity. Grants are awarded based on a competitive national application process, demonstrating Mr. Madison’s commitment to excellence in the classroom.
“After nearly a year of preparation, I'm looking forward to giving our students the opportunity to walk where history was made.” Mr. Madison said, “My hope is that this trip sparks an interest and curiosity that lasts long after they've left our school. Helping bring this history to life for my students is always a highlight of my year.”
The American Battlefield Trust is the largest battlefield land preservation organization in the country, having saved more than 52,000 acres of hallowed ground across 24 states. Through visiting preserved battlefields and walking in the footsteps of the citizen soldiers who fought there, the Trust aims to provide a foundation of good citizenship for the leaders of tomorrow. The Trust strives to produce excellent educational resources in a variety of formats for both educators and the public alike, ensuring that Americans never forget how their country was forged.
Every year, the Trust receives applications from classrooms across the country to participate in the Field Trip Fund, which offers funding and assistance to K-12 teachers planning field trips to Civil War, War of 1812, or Revolutionary War battlefields and related historic sites. During the 2018-2019 school year, more than 7,500 students from 24 states took part.
"These kids get a chance to go to where history was made, where our country was created and defined," said Trust President David Duncan of Field Trip Fund recipients, "Battlefields are outdoor classrooms that will teach future Americans about our democratic republic."
Mr. Madison has enormous enthusiasm for teaching history and is excited to utilize Washington D.C. and Gettysburg as an outdoor classroom that will give his Walnut students a meaningful and memorable experience. The American Battlefield Trust is proud to support and empower such excellent educators as they inspire the next generation of proud Americans.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America's hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 54,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
