News Release

Delaware Fourth Graders Become Preservationists

NPS

News Release Date: May 19, 2019

Over the course of four days in April and May, the park hosted nearly 1,000 Delaware 4th grade students to experience ArCH (Arts, Culture and Heritage) Preservation Field Days on The Green in Dover. ArCH Preservation Field Days is a yearly event, done in partnership with First State Heritage Park in Dover, to introduce elementary-aged students to all of the ways science, art, history and heritage relate to historic preservation. For almost all of them, it’s the first time they are hearing these terms, and being encouraged to analyze and celebrate the historic landscapes around them.

At the ArCH Preservation Field Days, classes rotated between 10 different education stations on The Green, and participated in hands-on activities, learned about Delaware’s history, cultural and natural landscapes, heard incredible stories, were architects, curators, and archaeologists for the day, and handled awe-inspiring resources. Some of the station topics included: learning about transportation and steam engines, exploring 18th century crime and punishment, understanding the human impact on our landscapes, buildings and environment, examining and handling archeological artifacts, identifying Delaware native trees, and participating in gravestone preservation.

The park worked with 20 different state, federal, and non-profit partners to engage students at education stations. Education partners represented agencies and institutions like the State Historic Preservation Office, St. Jones Reserve, Old Swedes Church, the Friends of the African Union Church Cemetery, Biggs Museum of American Art, Delaware Division of the Arts, Delaware Public Archives, Delaware Forest Service, the Native People of Delaware, representing the Lenape and Nanticoke Indians, and Del-One Federal Credit Union.

Before students left each ArCH day, hundreds of 4th graders gathered in front of the Old State House, raised their right hands, and were sworn-in as official Junior Preservationists at a Junior Ranger Ceremony. During the ceremony the students talked with Park Ranger Lorin and Ranger Sam about what they learned and shared their favorite moments of their field day.

The 13 schools that participated in the ArCH Preservation Field Days were title one schools, and received funding from the Every Kid in a Park (EKIP) Transportation Grant to cover their bus costs. The EKIP Grant and Program is administered by the National Park Foundation, and it serves to remove the barriers underserved communities often face when visiting the nation's public lands on field trips.