Experts provided students with in-depth insights into historical artifacts, allowing them to examine them more closely and appreciate their historical significance. Photo provided.
On Thursday, September 26th, the AP U.S. History (APUSH) class from Northwood School ventured on an educational field trip to Fort Ticonderoga. The visit, established as part of a local history initiative, was designed to immerse students in key moments of American history while connecting them with the region’s rich historical landscape. Fort Ticonderoga, a significant site during both the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War, provides an ideal setting for students to grasp a visual representation, enhancing their understanding of the war.
The decision to establish this field trip began last year, “inspired by the idea that exploring a local historical site would enhance the curriculum,” said Mr. Shergold, who teaches the APUSH class. Fort Ticonderoga’s strategic importance in early American conflicts makes it a perfect fit for Northwood’s history classes. Located near Lake Placid, the Fort offers a unique way for students to see firsthand how their region connects to national and global history.
Mr. Shergold, who teaches both regular and AP US History, remarked on the importance of exposing students to local history, stating, “We can sometimes feel quite isolated up here, but Fort Ticonderoga shows us how our area has always been part of something bigger. It’s a great way to connect the local to the wider world.”
Due to logistical constraints, only the APUSH class participated in this fall trip. However, there are plans for U.S. History students to visit the Fort when it reopens in the spring. The decision to focus on local history was rooted in a desire to show students how the Lake Placid region connects to broader historical narratives. This field trip was intended to emphasize the importance of these connections while allowing students to explore their local significance in the context of world events.
During the visit, students explored some of the most prized artifacts at the Fort, including Alexander Hamilton’s epaulet and a collection of original muskets. Expert lectures provided students with in-depth insights into these artifacts, allowing them to examine them more closely and appreciate their historical significance.
Students ventured out onto Lake Champlain in a replica bateau, a traditional wooden boat. Photo provided.
However, as Mr. Shergold noted, “the highlight of the day for many was a hands-on experience when the group ventured out onto Lake Champlain in a replica bateau, a traditional wooden boat. Rowing the boat themselves, the students experienced firsthand the geography and strategic location of the Fort from a unique vantage point on the water.” This interactive experience brought the historical setting to life in a way that classroom lectures simply cannot match.
Northwood School has a unique connection to Fort Ticonderoga, as the land and the Fort are owned by the Pell family, one of whose descendants is a Northwood alum. This historical and familial link adds an extra dimension to the relationship between the school and the Fort, and the continued visits help to maintain and strengthen this bond.
The field trip was a valuable experience, providing both academic enrichment and a memorable adventure for the students. Plans are already in place for future visits, with Northwood School eager to continue its support of Fort Ticonderoga’s educational mission.