Bel Air middle school students, teacher receive grant to visit Gettysburg

Southampton Middle School teacher Bob Rinehart and his eighth-grade class received a special grant to visit Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pa. The grant was made possible by the American Battlefield Trust’s History Field Trip Grant Program.  Mr. Rinehart and his class were part of a national selection process for a hands-on history learning experience.

“When we travel to Gettysburg, the students gain new perspectives about the historical importance of the battle, war, topography of the land, impact on the civilians, and preservation efforts of the hallowed ground,” Rinehart said. “They can walk the same land as many historic figures.”

The students also will tour Seminary Ridge Museum and the Adams County Historical Society.  The American Battlefield Trust has saved more than 57,000 acres of hallowed ground across 25 states. The Trust aims to provide a foundation of good citizenship for the leaders of tomorrow.

“These kids get a chance to go where history was made, where our country was created and defined,” Trust president David Duncan said. “Battlefields are outdoor classrooms that will teach future Americans about our democratic republic.”