Teaching 20^th century Military History:  A Pennsylvania Perspective

Military conflict has drastically changed the face of this nation and yet it is a topic that is inadequately covered by textbook material or classroom curriculum.  In 2001, the collaboration between a middle school social studies teacher and a museum educator resulted in the development of age appropriate education modules, on the Spanish/American War, World War One and World War Two, that places Pennsylvania history within the context of U.S. and world history.  While these modules are not an exhaustive study of a conflict, they do orient the teacher and classroom as to the events of a particular time period and the roles that Commonwealth citizens and industry played in the conflict.  Subsequent modules designed for junior and senior high on the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War are also available. 

The modules are approximately thirty pages in length, divided into seven sections.  Each section is illustrated by a time line, factoid boxes and photos.

Section 1- World Overview:  This is a short history of what's happening in the world.  It will set the stage for the conflict. 

Section 2 - Pennsylvania Connection:  Short history on what's happening in the Commonwealth within the same time line as the World Overview.

Section 3 - WAR!:  The start of the conflict is explained.

Section 4 - Mobilizing for War:  How does the Commonwealth respond to the event?

Section 5 - The Home Front:  How do the citizens respond to the event?

Section 6 - Innovation and Invention:  What type of technologies were used or developed by Commonwealth citizens.

Section 7 - Conclusion:  This section will deal with the victors and the vanquished.  It discusses the personal as well as the political impact on the Commonwealth and her people.  It identifies any ramifications for future events and set the stage for entry into the next module.

Education Modules are available for classroom use in PDF upon request.  Please call Joe Horvath (Wednesday thru Friday 0830-1530) at 814-466-6263.

The Cruisin' Curator Classroom Visitation Program - FEE $50.00 
(Please note that schools planning a trip to the museum after a 2010-2011 Cruisin' Curator visit will receive $50.00 credit towards admission with a reservation for twenty or more students!)  

Can't make a visit to the museum?  Let the museum come to the classroom.  Presentations based on the above Education Modules may be conducted by a staff member from the museum.  These lecture presentations are accented by the opportunity for students to examine artifacts from the museum's FOR USE collections specifically designated for educational purposes.  Available presentations:

Combat Medicine - A former Navy Hospital Corpsman with the USMC discusses the evolution of field medicine with classroom demonstrations of bandaging techniques used in the mid to late 20^th century.

Of Men, Machines and Mules - World War I was the dawn of modern warfare yet despite the invention of the automobile, tank and aeroplane, horses and mules were used on the battlefields of France.  Archival film footage of the Pennsylvania National Guard in France highlights this discussion on the mechanization of war.

Behind the Scenes: the making of Living History programs - Making history come alive in the form of historical reenactments, encampments and military bivouacs for the public is a complicated process.  The coordinator for the three living history programs at the Military Museum (WWII Revisited, Vietnam Revisited and Then & NOW a Living History Military Time Line of Uniforms and Equipment) will use storytelling and video to discuss the work behind what it takes to become a historical interpreter.

The Crusin' Curator Visitation Program opportunities are more available between the months of September and April.  For additional information, please call Joe Horvath (Wednesday thru Friday 0830-1530) at 814-466-6263.