Each week at National History Academy will address a major historical period and significant theme directly related to the AP History themes students are learning in school. For example, a week on the Civil War might feature a classroom orientation by a master teacher about the causes, conduct and consequences of the war; guest lectures by noted scholars; a tour of Gettysburg led by an expert battlefield guide; readings in primary and secondary sources; films, music and dramatic performances; and individual and group projects. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in the discipline of history. Through written assignments, oral presentations and first-hand activities, you will explore history is in a way that is possible only in this rich historical landscape.

You will be traveling most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to historical sites. The start times will vary based on the daily itinerary, but a typical travel day might look like this:
Time | Activity |
---|---|
7:30am | Breakfast |
8:15am | Coach departure from Foxcroft |
9:15am | Arrival at historic site |
9:15am-11:45am | Lesson & tour |
12:30pm | Lunch |
1:00pm | Additional activities or additional sites |
3:30pm | Depart site for Foxcroft |
4:30pm | Arrive back at Foxcroft |
4:30pm-5:30pm | Free time (relax, enjoy the pool, rest) |
5:30pm | Dinner |
7:00pm-10:30pm | Free time or collaborative projects |
10:30pm | Lights out |
Monday, Wednesday and Friday are classroom days. You will engage in rich discussions around significant historical themes each week.
Week 1 – James Madison and the Making of the Constitution
Week 1 Travel Highlights
Washington, D.C.
- National Archives
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History
James Madison’s Montpelier
Week 2 – Colonial America, Founding of a Nation
Week 2 Travel Highlights
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Community 4th of July Parade
Virginia Triangle
- Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestown
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Yorktown & the American Revolution
Week 3 – Lincoln and Secession
Week 3 Travel Highlights
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- Storer College
- Appalachian Trail
- C&O Canal
Gettysburg National Military Park
- Seminary Ridge Museum
- Eisenhower National Historical Site
Antietam National Battlefield
Week 4 – Reconstruction
Week 4 Travel Highlights
Piedmont Overlook & Shenandoah National Park
Washington, D.C.
- US Capitol Building
- President Lincoln’s Cottage
- Ford’s Theater
Underground Railroad Sites & Harriet Tubman
Outdoor Activity Day (Canoe the Potomac or Bike the C&O Canal
Week 5 – Civil Rights (expanding the Constitution to all)
Week 5 Travel Highlights
Baltimore
- Fort McHenry
- B&O Railroad Museum
- Flag House (Star Spangled Banner House)
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
University of Virginia
- Academical Village
Washington, D.C
- MLK Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Fredrick Douglas House