Frederick Douglass: Legacy and Impact
- Course Date: June 18-23, 2023
- Academic Director: Dr. Joe Fornieri
- Location: Valley Forge, PA
What You Learn
Dr. Joseph Fornieri, professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, will lead a dynamic week-long seminar dedicated to the life, leadership, and legacy of the abolitionist and civil rights crusader Frederick Douglass. We will trace Douglass’s evolving thought from antebellum Garrisonian abolitionist to political abolitionist during the Civil war to Civil Rights leader during and after Reconstruction.
Conversations will focus on a close reading of the substance and style of the primary sources of Douglass’s greatest speeches and writings including Narrative of the Life of a Slave, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? The Constitution of the United States: Is it Pro-Slavery or Anti-Slavery? Slaveholder’s Rebellion, Self-Made Men and selections from his later autobiographies My Bondage My Freedom and the Life and Times of Frederick Douglass. A special session will consider Douglass’s evolving view of Abraham Lincoln during and after the Civil War, most notably in his Oration in Memory of Abraham Lincoln. What guidance or lessons does Douglass provide for us today on the questions of equality, race, liberty, the American Dream, and Union? As always, teachers will receive texts, resources, and suggestions for bringing this content into their classroom.
Participants will engage with one another through discussion, group activities, and analyzing resources to use in their classrooms. Participants will also visit the National Constitution Center and the historic Union League of Philadelphia where Frederick Douglass visited and spoke.
Want to Learn More About this Seminar?
Make a selection below to find more information about this seminar.
Scholarships & Travel Stipends
Scholarships are available for every accepted applicant.
We know the powerful difference access to this experience makes in the life of a teacher and, in turn, the lives and experiences of their students.
This unprecedented opportunity is made possible because of our generous donors and partners. Because of our donors, our scholarship program removes the financial barriers of access to continuing education.
Travel stipends may be also be available upon program acceptance. For more information on travel stipend availability contact us at grad@ffvf.org.
Accreditation
Credit hours and costs vary per seminar. All participants will receive a certificate for the hours of professional development completed, regardless of registering for grad credit. Please contact Freedoms Foundation’s Education Department to find out more.
What teachers are saying about our program
“After a school year like no other, it was amazing to be invigorated with new ways to engage my students in historical context.”
– Kevin
“The seminar helped renew my energy and drive. I look forward to using the resources I obtained and introducing over 600 students to the lessons provided.”
– Melaney
“After a year of uncertainty, it was nice to be back around educators who share a love of history like I do. I made new friends, saw new places, and I am forever thankful for that.”
– Thomas
“I was amazed by the excellent quality of speakers and extremely well-run program. This was one of the strongest professional development seminars I have attended. I cannot wait to bring my newfound knowledge to my students.”
– Mandy
“The seminar was an extremely rewarding experience. The information that was taught and shared helped me further my own knowledge and education, and it also helped me come up with pedagogical material to use in my U.S. government classes.”
– Tabitha
FAQs
Cost
How much does it cost?
Individual teacher seminars start at $1,500. A majority of teachers qualify for financial assistance through scholarships and travel stipends. Freedoms Foundation can assist you in identifying the sponsorships available. Contact us today.
General
What types of seminars are available?
Freedoms Foundation offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of the modern educator. Seminars at the Valley Forge campus focus on compelling subjects such as the First Amendment, War on Terror, World War II, and Constitutional Convention and Ratification. Our traveling workshop covers the American Revolution South.
Are courses accredited?
Credit hours and costs vary per seminar. All participants will receive a certificate for the hours of professional development completed, regardless of registering for grad credit. Please contact Freedoms Foundation’s Education Department to find out more.
When do applications open?
Applications will open to Joshua Chamberlain League members on November 21, 2022 and to the public on December 1, 2022.
When will I receive notification of my acceptance?
The first round of acceptance notifications will begin on or before February 28, 2023. Subsequent acceptances will be processed on a rolling basis. Please direct questions to grad@ffvf.org.
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