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 is developing 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. Check back for updates and more information.
EITC Program and other funding assistance
For Schools
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.
For Businesses
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
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.
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
First Annual Seven Years' War Symposium |Native American History and Culture
Sunday, April 8, 2018 | 8:30 AM - noon
Native tribes both helped and terrified Europeans in America, and Fort Ligonier is thrilled to debut its first annual Seven Years’ War Symposium with a theme of Native American history and culture. Esteemed scholars from the United Kingdom, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Virginia, and our own Keystone State will present on various fascinating topics of complex native life. Discussions will range from material culture, depictions of American Indians in art, archaeology, and more! For more information or to register, contact Candace Gross at cgross@fortligonier.org.
An Evening with Attakullakulla-Cherokee Peace Chief
Meet Attakullakulla, "The Little Carpenter" who was referred to in the 18th century as "the most important Indian of his day." The Little Carpenter met King George II in London and served as Peace Chief of the Cherokee Nation for decades. He led the largest tribe in North America as they struggled to survive a changing world.
Museums as Third-Space Learning Environments
Join us as we discuss the relevance of creating third-space learning places for students. Hear how Fort Ligonier and other museums create a third-space where your students can learn in the context of everyday experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss, share, brainstorm possibilities, participate in a "break-in room" and discover engaging ways to partner and make third-space learning a reality.
Register NowProject-Based Learning and the Museum
Learn how to engage your students with the resources of a local museum or cultural institution. Explore museum partnerships and resources; hear from teachers who have successfully implemented this concept. Discover how you can use Project-Based Learning and the Museum to help your students in respond to complex questions, problems, and challenges.
Register NowUnveiling the French & Indian War: A NEW Curriculum Kit
Learn how to use Fort Ligonier's NEW "loanable" curriculum kit and get first dibs on borrowing the kit for your classroom! The kit provides lessons, primary source and non-fiction print materials, and hands-on artifact replicas to help you teach French & Indian War history.
Register NowDisciplinary Literacy: Reading and Writing Historian-Style
Join us for an informative and interactive session on the real-world literacy skills in the field of history. Find out what literacy skills historians use for their work and how you can teach these skills in your class.
Register NowCalling 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.