Eighty high school history teachers from around the country are gathering in Rochester this summer to discuss the significance of the American Reform Movements during the 19th century. Their goal is to gain first hand knowledge of Rochester's history to share with their students.

Rich Newman and Joe Torre co-direct the Rochester Reform Trail Workshop, which offers lectures, discussions and field trips highlighting abolitionism and the women's rights movement.

"We often think of local history as only important for people in Rochester. We had people applying from Texas, California. Minnesota and Ohio, now that they're here telling us that every year they do textbook units on Fredrick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, the Erie Canal. Here they can learn about significant American reform movements through a place that they don't know a lot about." Newman says.

Touring an historic cemetery might not be a typical student’s choice for a field trip, but these educators were visibly moved by the experience.

"We're hoping that by actual physical contact with places and sites that these events took place in that they'll have a better understanding of it." Torre adds.

Even some teachers from our own state are discovering Rochester for the first time.

Michael Berkowitz, who teaches history in New York City, adds, “Having pictures of me at Fredrick Douglass’ grave brings that home. You know, books are wonderful but just being in the place and getting the feel, it’s very important."

When Newman approached the National Endowment for the Humanities for sponsorship, they told him they had been waiting for someone in Rochester to spearhead a reform trail program.

"You go around the country and see that Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, they have these great reform trails or trails dedicated to the American Revolution. So we wanted to make sure that Rochester was on that map. They need to know that Rochester was a really important place for some of the freedoms and liberties that they have today. If we don't teach people about Rochester’s importance, they're going to forget it."

The Rochester Reform Trail Workshop is open to local teachers as well. Three international teachers are part of this summer’s second tour.

For more information follow the link below.

NEH Summer Seminar