Since Fall 2021, Rangers have been actively engaging with students in the Poughkeepsie City School District through in-person classroom visits. This district represents a traditionally underserved population.
The primary goal of these visits is to introduce students to the National Park Service (NPS) and familiarize them with the role of a National Park Ranger. As a part of this initiative, every 4th-grade student receives a 4th grade pass, granting them and their families free access to parks, regardless of entrance or tour fees. This initiative aims to increase accessibility to park sites and raise awareness about the opportunities available at our sites.
In addition to learning about the NPS, Rangers also present lessons on Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Each 4th and 5th-grade student receives booklets, and they watch a film produced by the FDR Presidential Library and Museum about the UDHR. This program not only introduces students to the significance of Eleanor Roosevelt and her nearby park site, but also revitalizes interest in the UDHR, which was previously covered in New York State curriculum.
A major outcome of these visits has shown an increase in student visits to park sites for field trips, allowing them to experience firsthand the topics introduced during the outreach programs. In May 2024, the park served over 2,000 students alone in tours and educational programming!
Furthermore, there has been a restructuring of field trip programming through a collaborative effort between the NPS and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). This partnership embraces civics-based programming into tours of the FDR Home and the library’s curriculum-based programs and museum tours. Educational groups now have the convenience of booking comprehensive visits through a single point of contact, improving our communication and cohesion of on-site programming.
These efforts are expanding educational opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings, providing enrichment that connects students and teachers with the legacies of Roosevelts through our joint programming between the two agencies. This collaborative approach not only reaches new and diverse audiences but also strengthens community involvement in our historic sites.
