History and Culture

History is rich on Maryland's Eastern Shore and a valuable part of Echo Hill Outdoor School's curriculum. In close proximity to Echo Hill a variety of opportunities exist for students to explore folklore, traditions on the water, and ever-changing agricultural practices. Hands-on investigations, personal interviews, and creative critical thought provide exciting approaches to learning about history and society. Students make their own personal connections to the communities they are studying. These classes allow students to discover that history is about real people, ideas, events, and cultures, helping students develop a sense of value for history.

History and Culture Classes

In classes like the Mystery Tour, students are asked to uncover clues about the past, observe how humans affect and change the environment, examine the intricacies of the present designed environment, and ponder the future. Students often discover the importance of seemingly commonplace things and reexamine their perceptions about people, places, and the past.

CHESAPEAKE HERITAGE INITIATIVE

From the month of May, and in the fall from Sept. 1 through Oct. 15, Chesapeake Heritage Initiative is about discovering the Bay-the unique and complex ecosystems, the natural cycles, the overwhelming resources, the scenery and pure natural beauty, and the legacies of people and their boats. The program blends the science and the history of the Bay in a way that will be everlasting. Aboard historic Chesapeake Bay work boats, students learn in the heart of Maryland's Upper Eastern Shore, where time and tradition have all but stood still.

The program takes place on the Chester River aboard Echo Hill Outdoor School's two historic bay craft, the buy-boat Annie D. (1957) and the skipjack Elsworth (1901). Each boat can accommodate six participants for three to five day overnight programs. The students eat, sleep, and live on board as the two boats explore the Chester River together. Day programs are also available for group sizes of 8 to 30 participants. Chesapeake Heritage Initiative Programs are appropriate for any type of student group: middle school, high school, college, and beyond.

The Chesapeake Heritage Initiative is an opportunity to experience the past, consider the present, and look ahead to the future. Activities include fishing, setting sails, navigating with map and compass, interviewing people on the River, and learning about regional lifestyles and folklore. Students learn to value cooperation and personal responsibility as they share the daily chores of cooking, cleaning, and keeping the boats shipshape from galley to berth.

MYSTERY TOUR

Imprinted on the human environment are the history, ideals, and values of the people who created it. These provide valuable insights into the nature of humans and their relation to the world. Students explore the human environment from a historical viewpoint, interview local people, focus on the mystery of their own history, and consider decisions about the future. Class may take place in nearby Chestertown, the watermen’s docks at Rock Hall, at an auction, or at other interesting places that make history and the human environment “real”.

OCCUPATIONS MYSTERY TOUR

This class investigates first-hand the mystery of what adults actually do when they are at work. Generally traveling off campus and out into the rural countryside of Kent County, the class finds people who are engaged in their daily routine of work. Students interview workers about their jobs and career choices, seeking answers to questions that can engage them for a lifetime. Questions range from how someone found their job to what they find to be most important about work.

EARLY AMERICAN STUDIES

The Echo Hill campus contains Early American artifacts and offers an excellent opportunity for first-hand discovery and study. Our reconstructed Native American site features dwellings and crafts that offer an understanding of early life around the Chesapeake. Students also discuss encounters between Native Americans and Europeans, especially John Smith, through his accounts of travel in this part of the Chesapeake Bay.

SURVIVAL

Students discover how factors affecting their survival compare and contrast with that of other animals. Predator/prey relationships, adaptation, evolution, extinction, and other facets of animal behavior may be explored. Fire building, shelter construction and survival games help children differentiate between needs and desires. Students learn how different our lives are from those of past generations and third world populations, and how dependent we have become on modern technology.