Editor’s note: Amanda Perschall is the Heritage teacher and department head for social studies at Lebanon High School. The Record has lightly edited this story and written a headline and caption/cutline for the photo.
For almost sixty years, Lebanon High School has been sending students on the Heritage Trip. These soon to be graduates are enrolled in Advanced US Government and Politics, a dual credit course through Drury University. After years of hard work and dedication through honors courses, they have the opportunity to spend a week of their senior year seeing the places they’ve been learning about. To be as the “Hamilton” musical phrases it, “in the room where it happened.” For a week, they take their learning outside of the classroom and explore Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York City.
While in DC, they explored the collections of the Smithsonian at the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. These two museums, positioned adjacent to each other on the National Mall, provide everything from the American flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner” to the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Students explored the newly renovated mansion of George Washington and his Mount Vernon estate, walking in the footsteps of our first president as our nation celebrates 250 years. They were able to pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Senator Hawley’s office provided an incredibly informative tour of the Capitol, ensuring everyone learned more about this seat of government power. Evenings were spent exploring monuments to presidents and wars, delving into public art and how we remember history collectively as a nation.
Speaking of 250 years ago, it was at the Philadelphia State House that the Founding Fathers wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence, creating the United States. They toured that same building, now known as Independence Hall, as the National Park Service made history come to life. The Liberty Bell, which rang in freedom, is still across the street.
DC is the center of political and government life in the US, but New York City continues to be the financial center. They explored lower Manhattan, which now encompasses Wall Street, the Stock Exchange, and the 9/11 Memorial. Several students commented that the 9/11 Memorial and Museum was the most impactful, as they were able to learn more about recent history that so many people remember personally. Tracing the journey of many immigrants to the US, they explored Ellis Island with amazing views of the Statue of Liberty from the ferry. For a brief couple of hours, the group exited the United States to take a tour of the United Nations, learning about the history and impact of this powerful organization.
One student commented, “I learned so much everywhere we went.” While this is the answer every teacher is looking for, it’s also the correct answer. Almost 60 years later, generations of LHS students have learned about our country, travel, and themselves as part of the Heritage Trip. It’s an amazing legacy to be continuing as our country celebrates 250 years of independence.
