Lewes Elementary students explore history of the First Town
As Delaware and the nation prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, students in Robyn Ackerman’s Cape Accelerated Program at Lewes Elementary School are already exploring the state’s rich history in meaningful and engaging ways.
Students recently completed an in-depth Delaware history research project designed to connect them with the people, places and stories that have shaped the First State. The project began with a special visit from representatives of the Delaware Public Archives, who guided students in beginning their historical research. During the visit, students participated in a hands-on board game created by the Archives and received official DE250 activity books to support their learning.
From there, students selected topics tied to Delaware’s past and developed comprehensive research reports. To creatively showcase their findings, they designed three-dimensional box projects featuring artifacts, visuals and written information. Taking their work a step further, students used green screen technology to record informational videos inside their display boxes, which were later featured during Lewes Elementary’s morning video announcements.
Several students extended their learning beyond the classroom walls. Two students interviewed a docent at the historic Cannonball House and rode their bikes around town to photograph local historical markers, incorporating original images and firsthand accounts into their projects.
The students’ work drew statewide attention when Dawn Mitchell of the Delaware Public Archives shared photos and descriptions of the projects on the DE250 Facebook page. She also invited the classroom teacher to submit a critical review recommendation letter for the DE250 activity book, which has been nominated for an award.
“Our goal was to make Delaware history come alive for students in a way that felt authentic and meaningful,” said Ackerman. “Watching them take ownership of their research, from interviewing community members to producing their own videos, showed just how powerful hands-on, local history can be. They didn’t just learn about Delaware’s past; they became historians themselves.”
Through research, creativity and community collaboration, Lewes Elementary students are helping lead the way in celebrating Delaware’s role in America’s 250-year story.
