Civil War Museum Education Program - Phase 2
The grant allowed the museum, which is run by an all-volunteer staff, to hire a Project Manager to coordinate and direct the 6th-grade social studies, MN standards-based educational programming.
The museum's educational program provides a physical way for students to touch history and to step into the shoes of someone from that era - developing empathy and clearer understanding of life during this time period in American and Minnesota history.
$4,500,000 the first year and $6,500,000 the second year are for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional, or other historical or cultural organizations or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources. Funds are to be distributed through a competitive grant process. The Minnesota Historical Society must administer these funds using established grant mechanisms, with assistance from the advisory committee created under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 4, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (b), item (ii).
Available upon request. grants@mnhs.org
Short Term Outcome-
75% of student participants of the Civil War Education Program will be able to explain the causes of the Civil War. They will be able to give at least one example of how the debate over slavery and abolition played out in Minnesota, and identify the primary impact the US-Dakota War of 1862 had on settlement of Otter Tail County and the surrounding region. 90% of student participants will be able to place the period of the Civil War on a time line.
TARGET - ACHIEVED. (Based on data collected on the Student Feedback Forms.)
WHY: THESE ARE THE CORE OBJECTIVES OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE AND ARE WELL TAUGHT. STUDENTS HAVE THE OPPRORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH AND LEARN THESE CONCEPT IN A VARIETY OF HANDS ON EXPERIENCES.
Intermediate Term Outcomes-
30% of schools in Otter Tail County will participate in the Civil War Education Program during the Phase 2.
TARGET - EXCEEDED. 50% OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN OTTER TAIL COUNTY PARTICIPATED DURING PHASE 2. (Based on education program attendance numbers.)
WHY: THIS IS THE DIRECT RESULT OF HAVING AN EDUCATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR TO PROMOTE AND COORDINATE THE PROGRAM.
90% of teachers and chaperones will give the program a positive review.
TARGET - ACHIEVED. OVERWHELMINGLY TEACHERS AND CHAPERONES HIGHLY PRAISED THE PROGRAM. (Based on data collected on the Teacher Feedback Forms.)
WHY: THE TRAINING AND DEDICATION OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAM TEAM (ALL VOLUNTEERS) WHO DO AN AMAZING JOB OF PRESENTING THE PROGRAM ALONG WITH THE DIRECTION AND LEADERSHIP OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR.
Long Term Outcome-
During Phase 2, Civil War Education Program participation will increase by 10% compared to 2017.
TARGET - EXCEEDED. WE ACHIEVED A 70% PARTICIPATION INCREASE COMPARED TO 2018! (Based on education program attendance numbers.)
WHY: INCORPORATING A VARIETY OF MARKETING STRATEGIES, GROWING OUR VOLUNTEER BASE, AND HAVING AN EDUCATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR TO TAKE DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROGRAM GROWTH.
Available upon request, grants@mnhs.org