My Boston Adventures and Back-to-School Excitement

Highlights of My First Trip to Boston

Exploring Boston has been a bucket-list item of mine for as long as I have loved history. I had the opportunity to tag along with a friend of mine last week and was enamored with the city’s charm. Here are just a couple of the highlights:

1. Exploring the Freedom Trail The Freedom Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Boston. This 2.5-mile-long path winds through the city, leading you to 16 historically significant sites. Walking the trail, I felt a profound connection to the past, standing in places where pivotal moments in American history occurred. I had been reading Serena Zabin’s The Boston Massacre: A Family History and so visiting the site of the event as well as where the victims were laid to rest was a surreal experience.
2. Dining at Union Oyster House No trip to Boston is complete without indulging in some local cuisine, and the Union Oyster House did not disappoint. As the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States, it has a rich history and a menu to match. I tried fresh oysters and savored clam chowder (with the local tip of adding tabasco!) and a lobster roll, all while soaking in the ambiance of this historic establishment. Make sure to add this spot to your itinerary (reservation recommended!) if you are in town.
3. Meeting Author Aime Card Alley in Salem One of the most memorable parts of my trip was traveling to Salem to meet Aime Card Alley, the author of "The Tigerbelles," which our book club (@theahtbc) recently discussed. Aime was gracious and engaging, sharing insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her book, and exciting future opportunities! (Stay tuned through @aimecardauthor) It was an enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for her work and the historical context she so vividly portrays. I also enjoyed exploring Salem's charming streets and a new exhibit on the Salem Witch Trials at the Peabody Essex Museum.

Thinking Nation's Free Back to School Webinar

As we gear up for a new school year, I’m excited to share that Thinking Nation, where I am the Director of Curriculum, is hosting a Free Back to School Webinar. This webinar is designed to provide you with methods to shift historical thinking from the teacher to the student. You’ll gain practical strategies you can implement from day one and receive free resources just for signing up, with even more available during the webinar. All registrants will additionally receive a recording of the webinar and a professional development certificate. Don’t miss this chance to equip yourself with everything you need for a classroom centered around historical thinking!

Date and Time: August 7, 2024, 3:00- 4:30 PM (CST)

Registration Link

Where I’m Headed Next

I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming presentations at various conferences where I’ll be sharing insights and strategies on education and historical thinking:

1. History Fest hosted by the Minnesota Council for History Education (MCHE)

• Date: August 8, 2024
• Location: St. Paul, MN
• Topic: Empowering Student Voices: Collaborative Essay Writing for Indigenous Environmental Justice
• Registration Link

2. Texas Council for the Social Studies (TXCSS)

• Dates: October 31 - November 3, 2024
• Location: Round Rock, TX
• Topic: Walking in Their Shoes: The Role of Historical Fiction in Building Empathy and Engagement in Social Studies Education
• Registration Link

3. National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

• Dates: November 21 - 24, 2024
• Location: Boston, MA
• Topic: Movers and Shakers: Strategies for Teaching Historical Thinking through Movement
• Registration Link

These events are excellent opportunities to learn, network, and share best practices in the field of education. I look forward to connecting with fellow educators and continuing to promote effective teaching strategies that inspire and engage students.

As summer draws to a close for some of you, I want to extend my best wishes to all educators and students preparing for the upcoming school year. Whether you spent your summer traveling, relaxing, or learning new things, I hope you feel refreshed and ready to embark on another year of growth and discovery. Let’s embrace the new school year with enthusiasm and determination, fostering a love for learning and a spirit of curiosity in our classrooms.

Best, 

Annie