Examine the Meaning Behind the Declaration of Independence
This is an exciting opportunity to Learn about the life of George Washington and his role in the early years of the independence movement.
First, explore the Mount Vernon website and examine the vast collection of primary source documents and artifacts available to support classroom instruction.
Then, examine artifacts, objects, and documents in the Museum of the American Revolution’s special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, to consider how the Declaration of Independence inspired rights, sovereignty, and independence moments both at home and abroad.
Network with other teachers to consider modes of communication, networks of revolutionary relationships, and ongoing tensions between ideals and reality, learn more about museum resources, and brainstorm ideas for exploring the ongoing relevance of this revolutionary document in their classrooms.
Schedule
| 9:30 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast |
| 10 a.m. | Welcome |
| 10:15 a.m. | George Washington's Role in the Independence Movement Jeff Boogaard |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch and Explore the Museum |
| 12:45 p.m. | Invisible Architects of Freedom Adrienne Whaley |
| 2:45 p.m. | Taking It Back to the Classroom and Conclusion |
| 3 p.m. | Optional: Continue to Explore the Museum |
Registration Requirements
Who can register?
- Teachers MUST teach in a formal K-12 classroom or school setting.
- The program is limited to 60 teachers.
- A waitlist will be available if registration meets full capacity.
Questions? Please contact [email protected]
Meet the Educators
Adrienne G. Whaley
Adrienne G. Whaley is an educator and history-lover who currently serves as Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution.
She was recently named a Class of 2022 40 Under 40 by the Philadelphia Business Journal and a 10 Under 40 People to Watch honoree by the Philadelphia Tribune and is a 2022 recipient of the Paul Edward Sluby Meritorious Achievement Award from the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society.
Adrienne earned her Bachelor's degree in African American Studies from Harvard University and her Master's in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
She has worked in both art and history museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, and loves the potential for objects, artifacts, and primary source documents to enrich student learning experiences.
She carries her love of history and for uncovering the stories of common people into her spare time as an avid genealogist researching her own family history and as former Programming Chair and former President of Philadelphia's African American Genealogy Group.
As both a museum educator and as a genealogist, she has presented on television and in workshops and conferences both locally and nationally.
Jeff Boogaard
Jeff Boogaard teaches 10th and 12th grade students in AP U.S. Government and Politics, Accelerated U.S. History I, and Economics at Haddonfield Memorial High School in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Jeff also serves as the advisor/coach of his school’s Model United Nations and Academic Challenge teams. He is a graduate of Rutgers University where he obtained both BA and MA degrees in American History.
In his free time, Jeff enjoys traveling – he has been to 46 states and 30 countries. Jeff attended GWTI last summer and is excited to continue to be a part of this program.
Michael Hensinger
Michael Hensinger is an educator who has been teaching students of all ages since 2011. He graduated from DeSales University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, later earning his teaching certification at Kutztown University.
He has experience working within the classrooms of both public and private schools, as well as collaborating with other education professionals to develop their instructional practices. While a teacher, Michael helped introduce a Geography Bee, pilot a grant-funded STEM program using the TechyKids coding platform and collaborated with other professionals to launch 1:1 technology initiatives.
His passion for history led him to his current position as Senior Manager of K-12 Education at the Museum of the American Revolution where he trains frontline staff, designs and oversees school programming, and provides professional development opportunities to K-12 educators.
He is a board game enthusiast, amateur archer, and novice tailor. Michael currently resides in Philadelphia, PA.
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