The Turtle Project: An Unsung Story of the American Revolution

Date: August 4, 2003 - August 5, 2003

Experience two days of Revolutionary War on the historic coast of Connecticut and discover the role played by the people in these coastal towns during the American Revolution. Witness the construction of a fullsize working replica of the submarine, the Turtle, built in 1775 by David Bushnell in an attempt to break the British naval hold of New York City. This joint project of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, the
National Maritime Historical Society, and The History Channel will develop a national education program about the Turtle.

The program will consist of:

  • lectures about the historical context and construction of the Turtle
  • walking tours with the historical societies of Essex and Old Saybrook
  • visit to the sites where David Bushnell lived and worked
  • education activities presented by the Connecticut River Museum
  • a sunset river trip guided tour.

Participants will learn an array of different strategies for conducting an historical inquiry using documents (DBQ). A variety of methods and techniques will be presented based on the curriculum and which comply with the Social Studies Standards. The class will serve as background for the lesson plans which will be produced on the Turtle beginning in the fall.

Location: Old Saybrook High School, Saybrook, Connecticut
Dates: August 4-5, 2003
Time: 10:00-7:00 August 4
9:00-5:00 August 5
Cost: $75
Hours: 15
Credit: 1