This summer, Alex Robb, Interpretive Programs Specialist for the Friends of Washington Crossing Park, was selected to attend the 2025 National Teacher Institute, a prestigious and competitive four-day program hosted by the American Battlefield Trust. Held this year in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Institute brings together 100 top educators, historians, and museum professionals from across the country to explore innovative strategies for making history education more engaging, inclusive, and relevant.
Throughout the weekend, participants dove into forward-thinking approaches to public history. “The Teacher Institute was incredibly engaging and thought-provoking,” Alex shared. “Sessions explored how pop culture and storytelling can be used to introduce historical topics, the educational potential of tools like AI and virtual reality, and the power of art in shaping how we interpret the past. Every part of the experience offered something new and meaningful. We also went on behind-the-scenes tours of major museums and took guided battlefield walks with some of the most renowned interpreters in the country.”
One of the most impactful experiences was a battlefield hike led by Garry Adelman, Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust and a nationally recognized Civil War scholar. “Garry’s passion was contagious,” Alex said. “He made Gettysburg come alive in a way that was not only inspiring but directly applicable to our work at Washington Crossing Historic Park. I left the tour with a deeper understanding of how place-based storytelling can transform a visitor’s experience.”
Other site visits, including the Seminary Ridge Museum, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and the new Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum, provided insight into how peer institutions are adapting interpretation and increasing visitor engagement. “I came home with pages of notes—everything from small tweaks to big ideas for new public programs,” Alex added. “It really gave me a renewed appreciation for the importance of the work our organization does every day.”
In addition to inspiration, the Institute provided tangible resources: classroom-ready materials, valuable networking opportunities, and up to 28 hours of continuing education.
As we continue to prepare the park for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, participation in nationally recognized continuing education opportunities like the Teacher Institute plays a vital role in advancing our mission. These experiences ensure our staff stays informed, creative, and equipped with the most current tools and strategies in the field of public history. The insights and resources Alex gained will directly strengthen our field trip programs, public programs, and other interpretive experiences, helping us meet this historic milestone with dynamic and impactful educational opportunities.