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press@whha.org.

Washington, D.C.

The White House Historical Association will host two sessions of its annual White House History Teacher Institute July 16 – 20 and July 23-27. The five-day immersive workshops brings a select group of educators from across the country to Washington to learn about White House history – an experience that includes special site visits, conversations with former White House staffers, lectures from White House historians, and access to resources created by the White House Historical Association that will enhance the teachers’ curriculum.

“We’re excited to provide educators with new tools they can take back to their classrooms- this year those tools include access to the association’s Digital Library, interactive workshops using digital products developed with Amazon Web Services, and distance learning education opportunities with Dreamwakers, a free video technology program connecting professionals with high-need classrooms across the country,” said Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association.

Educators will also use the White House Historical Association’s Curriculum Resource Packets, Resource Videos, and a variety of digital tools designed for 21st century classrooms.

“Teachers work together to incorporate material presented at the Institute into activities for their students,” notes Director of Education Joanna Capps. “Teachers across the nation are using the White House Historical Association’s curriculum and new digital resources to design robust, meaningful lessons that they can deploy in their classrooms.”

Throughout the week, teachers will also study White House history topics including the construction and expansion of the White House, the evolving role of the First Lady, the Civil War White House, the art of diplomacy at the White House, and the history of State Dinners. The White House Historical Association will also provide teachers with the tools needed to lead their classrooms in National History Day, a national contest that engages students with a year-long research project.

The White House Historical Association will also take the educators on guided tours of the White House, the Rubenstein National Center for White House History at historic Decatur House, the White House Visitor Center, Diplomacy Center and Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the State Department, the President’s Neighborhood in Lafayette Square, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and President Lincoln’s Cottage.

The White House History Teacher Institute sessions run from 8:30am to 5:00pm at the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History. Learn more about the Teacher Institute and watch an informational video here.

Each year, the Teacher Institute offers educators, including librarians, media specialists, curriculum coordinators, pre-service and classroom teachers the opportunity to apply. Priority is given to middle and high school educators who work directly with students. To be included in the selective Teacher Institute, educators must submit an application, resume, and recommendation.

For media inquiries, please contact press@whha.org or Jessica Fredericks, Communications Director, at JFredericks@whha.org.

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About the White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.

To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.