Putting History Education First

Our High School Curriculum

Our specially tailored unit about historical markers and civic engagement includes a flexible three-week plan with 15 lessons in the following areas: 

• Introduction to civic literacy, public history, and power of place 

• Historical research, primary sources, and applying for a marker 

• Submitting a grant application and planning a dedication ceremony 

The plan was designed using the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework from the National Council for the Social Studies, and the NYS Civic Seal of Readiness Initiative. Educators will receive the entire plan—at no cost—that they can adapt as needed into their curriculum. The Pomeroy Foundation will work with you along the way, including in-person or virtual presentations to discuss primary source research and offer guidance about the historical marker application process. 

This is an exciting opportunity for teachers and students to work together on a project that connects their curriculum to real-life educational outcomes in their communities. 

Interested in receiving the curriculum? Complete the form through the button below or contact info@wgpfoundation.org to begin this process.

Our Higher Education Resources

These resources are designed to support instructors teaching at the college level—either undergraduate or graduate—who would like to integrate a grant application for a historical marker into their courses. Benefits of integrating a historical marker grant application into a college-level course include: 

• Service-learning and workplace readiness for the students 

• Grant writing and application experience 

• Group work, leadership, and project management experience 

• Successful grant award added to students’ list of achievements 

• The marker as a tangible result of their public history engagement 

• Conference presentation or poster potential 

• Enhanced local history for both visitors and locals  

• Networking with other professionals in the public history and civic fields 

Our resources are intended as support for the planning process to help instructors prepare to integrate historic marker applications into their syllabi. They are a starting place and meant to be adapted to your specific classroom. The resources focus on a more analytical, critical approach to historical markers and the scholarship surrounding cultural heritage preservation. The resources include:  

• Start Here – Know Before You Go: the must-know information, including tips on pre-course preparation and post-course responsibilities.

• Sample Syllabus and Schedule: including a suggested timeline, sample readings, assignments, and discussion prompts.

• Six Short PowerPoint Presentations: intended to be easily integrated into lectures and covering the essential information students need to know.

• Six Informational Handouts: designed to support the marker application process and integrated into the lessons outlined in the Syllabus.

These materials are currently undergoing peer review and will be available soon! Check back to request them soon.