Putting History Education First
Enrich Student Learning With Historical Markers
We believe in the power of public history education.
Through our National Education Program, we work with you to empower your students to learn about their community history through a primary source research project that results in a grant-funded historical marker from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.
Our National Education Program benefits students, teachers and their schools by enhancing the learning experience with free lesson plans that connect local history to the curriculum.
We collaborate with teachers, history clubs, school districts, and other student-focused organizations to achieve experiential learning outcomes with a Pomeroy Marker research project.
Our Curriculum
Our specially tailored unit about historical markers includes three, week-long lessons in the following areas:
- Introduction to civic literacy, public history and power of place
- Historical research, primary sources and applying for a marker
- Submitting a grant application and planning a commemoration
Educators will receive the entire unit plan — at no cost — that they can adapt into their curriculum. The Pomeroy Foundation will work with you along the way, including in-person or virtual presentations to discuss primary source research and offer guidance about the historical marker application process.
This is an exciting opportunity for teachers and students to work together on a project that connects their curriculum to real-life educational outcomes in their communities.
Interested in previewing the curriculum? Complete the form through the button below.
Request Curriculum
*Student-led applications for NYS historical markers will be accepted on a rolling basis. Contact zach@wgpfoundation.org to begin this process.
How to Become a Partner Organization
We want to work with you and your school district. Schedule a conversation about our by emailing us at zach@wgpfoundation.org or calling (315) 913-4060. Contact us so we can work with you before starting your research and submitting an application. Interested in a copy of our informational flyer? View and download the PDF here.
“Our experience with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation was so easy, and it provided our school history club with an outstanding opportunity to research a local hero. Local history is such an important facet of history to be studied, and yet is not done so enough. This experience gave us a chance to spotlight one of our own, and honor her with a marker that will stand for years to come.” ~ Kevin Cline, Frankton Indiana History Club Advisor
Below are the outstanding organizations currently collaborating on student-learning projects.
Tiger Ventures
National History Club
Syracuse Schools
Frankton Indiana History Club
Arlington High School
Watch Our ‘History Happened Here’ Video Series
Looking for inspiration to begin your project? Our vignettes produced in partnership with WCNY public television can help! From the story of teenager Betsy Dowdy to the origin of salt potatoes, these short videos are the ticket to getting the conversation started in your class. Click the images below to watch the videos and learn more about each marker.
Legend of Betsy Dowdy’s Ride
Origin of Syracuse Salt Potatoes
