This course will explore the history of Columbia County through a diverse assortment of local historic sites. Some of the sites have significance in American History so local, regional and American history teachers can benefit from the information presented in this course. Participants will learn an array of different strategies for conducting an historical inquiry using documents (DBQ), a process mandated by New York State Social Studies Standards. A variety of methods and techniques will be presented based on the curriculum which complies with both the Social Studies and Language Arts Standards. Included will be activities for grades 4-12 involving maps, photographs, letters, journals, and other primary source materials. The class will involve visits to and meetings with the education curators of the following sites in Columbia County.

September 23/30: Thomas Cole House, Catskill Olana

October 14: Clermont, Special speaker Wint Aldrich, Livingston descendant, Advisor to the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, New York State Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation (1994-2003)

October 21: Shaker Museum, Old Chatam

October 24: Columbia County Historical Society, Kinderhook Village

Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
Fee: $65-15 hrs/1 in-service credit
Code: IS1329
Instructor: Dr. Peter Feinman, staff member of the Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education and New York State Coordinator for the Bureau of Land Management’s Project Archaeology
Offered through the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center