Wicomico Day School's 5th Grade was a recipient of a field trip grant from the American Battlefield Trust. They enjoyed a visit to Manassas Battlefield. Pictured are students Mason, Cole and Blake. (Courtesy photo)

Wicomico Day School's 5th Grader enjoyed a visit to Manassas Battlefield. (Courtesy photo)

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SALISBURY -- Wicomico Day School’s, Mary VanBuskirk and her 5th grade classroom visited Virginia’s National Battlefield of Manassas on April 15, thanks to a grant from the American Battlefield Trust’s History Field Trip Grant Program.

This trip provided students with an exceptional, hands-on history learning opportunity. Grants are awarded based on a competitive national application process, demonstrating Mary VanBuskirk’s commitment to excellence in the classroom.

“Visiting historical sites are integral to a student’s comprehension of what they read about in a text book," said the teacher.

The American Battlefield Trust is the largest battlefield land preservation organization in the country, having saved more than 58,000 acres of hallowed ground across 24 states. Through visiting preserved battlefields and walking in the footsteps of the citizen soldiers who fought there, the Trust aims to provide a foundation of good citizenship for the leaders of tomorrow. The Trust strives to produce excellent educational resources in a variety of formats for both educators and the public alike, ensuring that Americans never forget how their country was forged.

Every year, the Trust receives applications from classrooms across the country to participate in the History Field Trip Grant Program, which offers funding and assistance to K-12 teachers planning field trips to Civil War, War of 1812, or Revolutionary War battlefields and related historic sites. During the 2022-2023 school year, more than 4,700 students from 28 states took part.

“These kids get a chance to go to where history was made, where our country was created and defined,” said Trust President David Duncan of the History Field Trip Grant Program recipients, “Battlefields are outdoor classrooms that will teach future Americans about our democratic republic.”

VanBuskirk has enormous enthusiasm for teaching history and is excited to utilize Manassas Battlefield as an outdoor classroom that will give her students a meaningful and memorable experience. The American Battlefield Trust is proud to support and empower such excellent educators as they inspire the next generation of proud Americans.

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 58,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.