PNC Foundation provides grant to engage preschoolers in Lewes history
The Lewes Historical Society has been awarded a $5,500 grant from the PNC Foundation to create a new preschool educational initiative, Creating Little Lewes. The program is designed to use fun, developmentally appropriate activities that introduce children 5 and younger to a larger understanding of the world around them and the history of this region through role-playing and hands-on activities using the society's resources. PNC provided the funding in support of Grow Up Great, its bilingual program in early childhood education.
Using special areas of the society’s museums, the children can learn what it was like to be a 19th century postmaster, shopkeeper, menhaden fisherman, or Lewes resident through historic role-playing and dramatic re-enactments. Programs can be designed to meet teacher-specific learning objectives, can accommodate children with special needs, and will meet the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines formulated to accommodate different skill and ability levels. The program will launch in early 2015.
“Extensive research indicates that the benefits of high-quality early education and school readiness initiatives are significant and long-lasting,” said Jennifer Joseph, PNC senior vice president and market executive on the Eastern Shore. “The Creating Little Lewes program will provide additional opportunities for young children to connect with the history of our region through fun and engaging activities while building core academic skills.”
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group Inc., actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. Through Grow Up Great, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a $350 million, multiyear initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, go to www.pncgrowupgreat.com, www.facebook.com/pncgrowupgreat and www.youtube.com/PNC or follow @PNCGrowUpGreat on Twitter.
The Lewes Historical Society promotes and advocates the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Lewes region, through museum exhibits, educational programs, historical research and publications. For more information, visit www.HistoricLewes.org or call 302-645-7670.
