Name: America 250: Foodways as Pathways
Start: 2026-10-10T09:00:00-0400
End: 2026-10-10T15:00:00-0400
Location: George Washington's Mount Vernon

Go Behind the Scenes to See Museum Collections

Join us for a day of learning and exploration focused on George Washington, Nebraska history, and educational resources.

The program features a scholar talk, a behind-the-scenes tour of Nebraska State Historical Society collections, and opportunities to learn about resources available through NSHS and the George Washington Teacher Institute, with time to explore the museum at your own pace.

Schedule of Events

8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.	Registration and Light Breakfast
9 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.	George Washington and Agriculture
10:15 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.	Break
10:25 a.m. - 12 p.m.	GWTI and MNHS Resources, Strategies, and Collaboration (rotating sessions grouped by elementary and secondary educators)
12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.	Lunch
12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.	Indigenous Food Ways Derek Nicholas
2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Break
2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.	Reflection, Resources, and Wrap-up

Registration Requirements

Who can register?

Teachers MUST teach in a formal K-12 classroom or school setting.
The workshop is limited to 30 teachers.
A waitlist will be available if registration meets full capacity.

Questions? Please contact [email protected]

Meet the Speaker

Derek Nicholas

Derek Nicholas, also known as Niigaanibines, is a member of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe. He is the founder of Wiisinig LLC, a social enterprise that focuses on practicing and revitalizing indigenous food and knowledge systems amongst tribal communities.

Derek believes that our indigenous food systems are deeply intertwined and connected to all facets of our Anishinaabeg lifeways and that through this practice, it can begin to offset the damages caused by colonialism. Additionally, Derek is the author of Through Food We Know Ourselves and Eating with the Seasons, Anishinaabeg, Great Lakes Region.

Meet the Educator

Meghan Davisson

Meghan Davisson is a Program Specialist with the Teacher Education and Curriculum Development team at the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS). She designs and implements teacher professional development for K-12 teachers in Minnesota. Additionally, Meghan is a contributor to MNHS's sixth-grade Minnesota Studies curriculum, Northern Lights Third Edition.

Meghan has thirteen years of classroom teaching experience in grades 6-8 social studies (Minnesota Studies, US History, and Global Studies). She holds a BA in Social Science Secondary Education and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction, with a certificate in Differentiated Instruction. She has a passion for engaging students in historical inquiry through primary sources. Meghan also enjoys reading and embroidery, as well as traveling.