Since 2010, approximately 200 8th grade students have participated in a voluntary History Club at the Middle School.  The club is organized by the three 8th grade history teachers including myself, Mr. Gallagher, and Mr. Marshall.  The students in the club have had a chance to do some extra history related activities throughout the school year, including listening to guest speakers and exploring local history by touring the DuBois Historical Society up town.

 

By far though, the biggest reason students join is to participate in the culminating trip to Washington D.C. towards the end of the school year.  This year's trip is scheduled for Friday, April 26th. 

 

This year's trip agenda tentatively includes a trip to the National Archives to see the Charters of Freedom, including the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.  From there, students will view the White House from the outside before beginning a jaunt that will allow them to visit some of the most recognizable monuments on the National Mall.  Also, for the first time in our club's existence, we will make a stop at the Jefferson Memorial located on the Tidal Basin.  As tradition entails, we will finish the trip with a visit to Arlington Cemetery to see the final resting place of some of our nation's greatest heroes, and will also watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns Soldiers.