The Quest to Understand Life During Reconstruction and Beyond- 11th Grade
Come have your students dive head first into history with the high school version of our Reconstruction field trip program! “The Quest to Understand Life During Reconstruction and Beyond” guides students through the changes to life in Waterford after the Civil War, and how similarities can be seen nationwide. Through the use of primary sources, interactive elements, storytelling, and the Village of Waterford itself- we are able to teach your students about changes to life for Waterford’s residents (including African Americans, women, farmers, and more who all lived here). This field trip program is designed to support the SOL requirements for Reconstruction (VUS.9.) and the beginnings of Industrialization (VUS.10.). Read on below to learn more about our program!
What are your students learning about?
Students move through three hubs based around the Village where they will be able to learn about different parts of life in Waterford. An experienced Waterford Foundation docent will lead groups through the Village.
The Second Street School Hub
This hub is based around the Second Street School, the one room African American schoolhouse built in 1867. At this hub, students will learn about some reactions to freedoms given by the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. At the station inside the Second Street School, students are able to learn about the beginnings of the Colored School A and African American schools in Loudoun, and the support of the Freedmen’s Bureau. The Second Street School is the perfect place to have these discussions, as the inside of the school is interpreted to how it looked in the 1880s. In the back yard of the Second Street School, students are able to learn about voting rights and restrictions through stories of Waterford residents, primary sources, and a hands-on activity.
The Old School Hub
The Old School hub primarily focuses around what life was like for soldiers who returned home to Waterford from the Civil War- both Union and Confederate. Though, a quick break from that is taken to share about the Old School property itself- the school for white children in Waterford until 1958- and what “Massive Resistance” was like in Loudoun County.
There are two other spots at the Old School lot. Students also get to see the Waterford Union of Churches Cemetery, where they get to learn about segregation after death, and use the unfortunate story of the Christmas Eve murder of Flemon B. Anderson to think about the tensions when both Union and Confederate veterans come back to Waterford after the war. Finally, using primary sources and oral histories students are able to learn about the African American Minor Family and their legacy in Waterford, whose patriarch served as part of the Loudoun Independent Rangers.
The Church and Mill Hub
Based around the Waterford Mill and the John Wesley Community Church, this hub focuses around the changes to rural life and industry here due to industrialization. At the Waterford Mill, students are able to explore the Mill and learn about industry pre-and-post large scale industrialization across the county through primary sources and hands-on materials. At the John Wesley Community Church across from the Mill, students are able to learn about the congregation who built and founded the Church, and why congregation member left Waterford through primary sources and oral histories.
Logistics:
How many students can you accommodate at once?
We can accommodate approximately 120-150 students in one day. Students will be split into three groups of 40-50 for each hub. We recommend running the program over a course of two days to have all the students participate. Our minimum number of students is approximately 20-30.
How long does the program take?
The program takes roughly four and a half hours to complete (recommended 10:00 am arrival- 2:30 pm departure) with approximately 70 minutes spent at each hub and a 30 minute lunch. There is ten minutes budgeted for moving in between hubs. We are flexible with timing, and can work with schools individually so that each can have the best possible experience in their allotted time.
How does transportation work, and how do you recommend we move between hubs?
Bus parking is available at the Catoctin Presbyterian Church, Second Street School and the Phillips Farm Interpretive Pull Off. Check out this flier for more transportation information!
This program mostly takes place outside. We recommend having students wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing outside. While it is possible to have buses take students from hub to hub, it may be faster and more efficient for students to walk. It is difficult for buses to navigate the narrow streets of the Village, and there are few places large enough to park a bus. The Foundation will provide each group with flags to alert traffic, and an experienced docent will lead the groups around the Village as safely as possible. These docents will also be able to point out interesting buildings and facts about Waterford along the way!
Meeting the needs of students with disabilities can be challenging in Waterford. Uneven surfaces, non-ADA compliant buildings, and limited options for moving from hub to hub could create problems for students. The Waterford Foundation will work with LCPS and individual teachers to map out an appropriate plan for students with disabilities.
Where are the bathrooms, and where will we have lunch?
Bathrooms are available at the Waterford Old School and the John Wesley Community Church, and a porta-potty is available at the Second Street School. Lunch will be had in the Old School Auditorium.
We want to try our best to make sure your field trip to Waterford is the best it possibly can be, and are willing to work to figure out logistics with individual schools and teachers. For any questions, please contact the office at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org.
How much does the program cost?
This program costs $10 per student. Proceeds of this program goes to support the ongoing educational mission of the Waterford Foundation. We understand that LCPS can provide funds for any student who cannot afford to pay the fee.
Booking!
We run the “Quest to Understand Reconstruction and Beyond during the fall, with limited availability in the spring. Bookings open for Waterford field trips on August 14, 2024 on a first come first serve basis! To book a field trip for Spring 2025, please email the office at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org for availability!