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Teachers

Fort Ligonier provides an array of programs that offer teachers inspiring and creative ideas for integrating history into the classroom. From workshops that fulfill your Act 48 requirements, to resources that strengthen the foundation of history curriculum, and programs that connect local history across disciplines, consider Fort Ligonier your headquarters for support.

Resources to fortify your classroom

Fort Ligonier’s education department has developed curriculum kits that teachers of grades 4-5 can borrow and use in the classroom. These kits contain lessons that connect the history of Fort Ligonier to disciplinary literacy, student resource books, hands-on materials and other invaluable classroom use materials. Contact Mary Manges at mmanges@fortligonier.org or 724.238.9701 to make arrangements to borrow a kit.

EITC Program and other funding assistance

For Schools

What is EITC and how can it help my students?

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit program in Pennsylvania that allows approved businesses to donate their state tax money to an approved educational organization in the state. Fort Ligonier is a qualified to receive these monies and can then pass them on to public school students.

EITC funds can help offset the cost of your field trip by covering the admission costs, up to $10 per student. These funds are limited and are on a first-come basis. For more information about these funds, contact Mary Manges, Director of Education at mmanges@fortligonier.org or 724-238-9701.

What about non-public schools?
Non-public schools do not qualify for funds under the Education Improvement Organization portion of EITC. Occasionally, we have other grants to help offset the cost of programs and field trip visits. Contact the education department for more information.

For Businesses

What is the EITC program?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides generous tax credits to eligible businesses that support Educational Improvement Organizations. Through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), eligible businesses can fund education rather than pay a portion of its state taxes. Businesses make a gift through the EITC program to an EITC approved educational organization, such as Fort Ligonier. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) gives the business a tax credit equal to a percentage of the contribution. DCED determines the eligibility of businesses, application procedures and deadlines and tax credit limits.
Is my business eligible to participate?
All business owners, companies or corporations should share this information with their accounting department or financial advisors to evaluate the potential benefits. A business is eligible if subject to one or more of the following:
Corporate Net Income Tax
Capital Stock Franchise Tax
Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
Insurance Premiums Tax
Mutual Thrift Institution Tax
Personal Income Tax of S corporation shareholders or Partnership partners
How can my company participate?

DCED determines the eligibility of businesses, scholarship organizations and educational improvement organizations. Businesses need to complete a brief application to the DCED stating the amount they plan to contribute. The DCED will notify businesses if their applications are approved. After receiving approval, businesses have 60 days to make the contribution to Fort Ligonier (an approved educational improvement organization). The business must also submit a copy of the confirmation of contribution from Fort Ligonier to the DCED.

The form is available by calling the DCED at: 717-787-7120. More information can be found at this link http://www.newpa.com/find-and-apply-for-funding/funding-and-program-finder/educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc and a business can download the application form by clicking EITC_Business_2012_F.pdf.

When should you apply?
Whether your business is a new or renewing applicant to the EITC program, be aware that the DCED allocates credits on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a competitive program, which means when the tax credits allocated for the year are exhausted, DCED can offer no additional credits and businesses cannot contribute through EITC during that year. According to the application: “Applications for tax credits for program fiscal year 2016-17 (July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017) will be accepted beginning July 1, 2016. Tax credit applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis by day submitted. All applications received on a specific day will be processed on a random basis before moving on to the next day’s applications. Applications will be processed until the amount of available tax credits is exhausted.”
Why should my company contribute to Fort Ligonier’s EITC program?
Businesses can reduce their tax liability and provide expanded educational opportunities for local students. This is a win-win situation for your company!

Act 48 Workshops

For teachers in search of fun and informative professional development, Fort Ligonier’s teacher programs provide inspiring and creative ideas for integrating history into your curriculum. Our workshop participants gain insight, ideas, lesson plans and activities to take back to the classroom. Participants will also walk away with content knowledge of our local history during the French and Indian War.

The typical cost is $20.00 per workshop, and the price includes workshop materials and admission to Fort Ligonier. Upon completion of the workshop, Fort Ligonier will submit your Act 48 hours to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

To register for one of our programs, or to schedule a workshop for your group, please contact Director of Education, Mary Manges at: 724-238-9701 or mmanges@fortligonier.org.

Workshops

Third Annual Seven Years' War Symposium "The Globar Art of War"

  • Saturday, March 28, 2020
  • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • 9.5 Act 48 hours
  • $110

Join us at the Fort Ligonier Center for History Education for the Third Annual Seven Years' War Symposium featuring the top scholars on the French and Indian War. The theme, "The Global Art of War", will include speakers from Germany, Poland, Missouri, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia. A fascinating array of topics from, from archaeology and immigration to military material culture and the British Navy.

Register Now

Building and Defending a Fort: Where STEM and History Collide

  • Friday, June 21, 2019
  • 9:00 am - noon
  • 3 Act 48 hours
  • $20

Historic sites aren't just about history. They were created and built by STEM! The history exists because of the science, technology, engineering, and math used to create it. Join us as we look at history through the lens of STEM. Learn how STEM built a fortress, fired cannons, and supplied the army that made Pittsburgh possible.

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Using Primary Sources in the Classroom

  • Thursday, July 25, 2019
  • 9:00 am - noon
  • 3 Act 48 hours
  • $20.00

Discover how to find and use primary sources as a springboard for learning history. Participants will explore the importance and educational rationale for the use of primary source material. Teachers will engage with various types of primary sources such as art, documents, artifacts.

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Educator Open House

  • Tuesday, August 6, 2019
  • 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • 2 Act 48 hours
  • $0

Join us for a free, fun, and informative event! Learn about school field trip opportunities, curriculum and classroom materials available, and spend some time networking with colleagues. Snacks and refreshments included.

Register Now

Calling all Administrators!
Bring Your Troops for Training!

Fort Ligonier is the perfect HQ for an all-school staff development day.

Experience team building through the lens of history, experience multidisciplinary learning layered under the centuries, and discover ways to energize your teachers with a unique learning experience—all at our world-class historic site and brand-new Center for History Education.

The Fort is an unforgettable place to hold your training. We will supply a keynote speaker on a topic of your choice, personalized activities for all disciplines, and special activities and tours. You coordinate catering with an area restaurant or keep it simple with a “lunch on your own” option, where teachers can select a restaurant within walking distance.

$10 per person includes use of the Center for History Education for meeting space.

“Successfully engaging 115 professional educators across all content areas and grade levels is no easy feat, but the district-wide “SHTEAM” Day at Fort Ligonier did just that! Through historical presentations, artifacts, and re-enactments, teachers made connections in the areas of Science, History, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics to their content areas and classrooms. Fort Ligonier provided an engaging and meaningful way to deliver quality professional development!”

~Dr. Christine Oldham
Superintendent, Ligonier Valley School District

Contact us to plan your next staff development experience.