The Education Branch at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will host its 2012 Summer Institute for Teachers, June 18 -22. Twenty-five educators from Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia will be participating this year.

During the institute, participants will learn about the events of 1862: the occupation in February of Harpers Ferry by Federal troops; the creation of the “Railroad Brigade,” to guard the vital Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; the mid-September 1862 Maryland Campaign, including the Siege of Harpers Ferry and the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, a document that changed the whole nature of the war. In addition to hearing from a number of famous Civil War historians, the participating teachers will have the opportunity to visit the sites connected with the 1862 Maryland Campaign, experience many of the hands-on activities and programs that the Education Branch uses when school and teachers’ groups come to visit the park, and use technology, by writing and producing a podcast.

The Institute takes place Monday, June 18 Friday, June 22 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (with evening sessions on Tuesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 21) at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

All participants will receive books and other teaching resource materials; field trips to sites in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Antietam National Battlefield Park and the South Mountain Battlefield; three hours of graduate C & I credit are available from Shepherd University; and the opportunity to network and share ideas with other educators.

For additional information: Please contact Jeff Driscoll, Education Office, at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park at 304.535.6053 or by e-mail at: Jeff_Driscoll@nps.gov.