Shippensburg is a small town in southern Pennsylvania and a great destination for teachers taking students on a field trip. Teachers can center their field trip on multiple topics of interest, such as education, local history, transportation, or fashion. Although the town does not have a single flagship destination, its combination of museums and historic buildings can provide a memorable trip.
One of Shippensburg’s best destinations is the Little Red Schoolhouse, located on the campus of Shippensburg University. Originally built in 1865, it was a one-room school that stayed in use until 1954 before being moved to the university. During its years of use, one teacher taught a variety of subjects to students of all ages.
The schoolhouse offers many programs, each based on a unique period of American history. These programs are immersive, and their varying levels of intensity mean each one is designed for a different age group. There truly is something for everybody, as they span 4th grade to 11th grade and cover topics such as the Great Depression, both World Wars, and the Cold War. The programs vary in length, with the shortest being 3 hours and the longest 4 and a half hours, although most include a recess break when students play games from the time period they are studying.
Another destination teachers should consider is the Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg University. Its collection includes an impressive 15,000 items, mostly clothing from the 18th to 20th centuries. The exhibitions use clothing, accessories, and photos to show the evolution of fashion in the United States and how fashion reflects technological and sociological changes, such as shifting gender expectations. Â As a result, the museum can be useful for students studying many subjects. Naturally, it can help those studying art and design, as it is important to understand the history behind what is being studied, rather than just the object itself. However, it can also help students studying history or politics.
Furthermore, teachers should consider the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, which is home to the Conrail and Cumberland Valley Railroad Museums. These exhibitions are located in restored boxcars and introduce students to the region’s railway history. They can help students understand how railroads were key to trade and industrial growth in the region. Teachers could also take students to the Shippensburg History Center, which could be used to teach the importance of understanding the lives of people who might not appear in national history textbooks.
Finally, for students considering college, it is likely worth it for teachers to take them on a tour of Shippensburg University and introduce them to campus life, as well as how college will differ from high school.
Overall, Shippensburg is a lovely small town where teachers can take students for many short stops that can support all sorts of multidisciplinary lessons
