Drayton Hall Announces Its Third Annual Teacher-Appreciation Program
with Complimentary "Hands-On History" Previews
Drayton Hall is opening its doors to teachers and inviting them to get to
know its centuries-old historic site. Beginning in June, a series of 90-
minute "Hands-On History" Program Previews will be available exclusively to
teachers every Tuesday and Saturday at 9:30 a.m.; teachers will experience
firsthand Drayton Hall's most popular, curriculum-based programs - the same
education programs offered to students during the academic year.
Teachers are invited to discover Drayton Hall over the span of three
centuries of American history free of charge. They may take a guided house
tour; participate in Connections: From Africa to America; walk along the
salt marshes and the Ashley River; visit A Sacred Place: the African-
American cemetery; or take the new "Voices of Drayton Hall" Interactive
Landscape Tour on DVD produced by The History Channel
Participating teachers have described being moved by the presence of the
past in the architecture of the main house, in the rare period features of
the ancient grounds, and in the opportunity to retrace the footsteps of
seven generations of Drayton Hall families, both white and black. Upon
arrival, teachers present their teacher identification or a recent pay stub
to enter. Teachers may also bring a friend at no extra charge. Nicole
McLaughlin-Hendricks from J.H. Gunn Elementary School in Charlotte, North
Carolina, said, "Our guide was so interesting! This was a wonderful
experience offered to teachers that I will definitely be sharing with my co-
workers
Complimentary "Hands-On History" Program Previews Available Exclusively to
Teachers - June 17th through August 16th
Teachers will also have the opportunity to observe and participate in the
same education programs Drayton Hall offers to students throughout the
academic year. All of Drayton Hall's education programs are based on South
Carolina's curriculum standards and meet those standards for social
studies, math, science, and language arts. Teachers will be asked to
provide feedback on the positive aspects of individual education programs
along with suggestions for improvement. As an added incentive, teachers
who participate in any of the summer-long "Hands-on History" Program
Previews will receive a 15% discount on education programs booked for the
2008-2009 school year.
Teachers who have participated over the past two summers have given high
marks to the Program Previews. Teacher Sis Kinney from JK Gourdin
Elementary School in Saint Stephen, South Carolina, said, "These summer
programs have just been so interesting and a wonderful way to introduce
teachers to what is available." Drayton Hall will offer nine different
program previews this summer, including Artisans & Apprentices; Dig This!;
Marsh Madness; A Day in the Life of a Plantation; The American Revolution:
War Comes to Drayton Hall; Civil War: Soldiers and Civilians; Plantation
Games Day; Connections: From Africa to America; Where Nature & Culture
Intersect: Man's Use of the Lowcountry Environment. Limited space is
available. There is no fee for teachers and a guest to attend Drayton
Hall's "Hands-On History" Program Previews and refreshments will be
provided. Upon arrival, teachers should present their teacher
identification or a recent pay stub. To make reservations or for additional
information, contact Curator of Education Rikki Davenport by phone at
843.769.2607
