Peru, Nebraska – Seven members of Peru State College’s Phi Alpha Theta, along with two faculty members, recently had an experience of a lifetime as they visited Washington, D.C.
It was a jam-packed four days of touring Washington, D.C.’s historical sites as well as taking in cultural events as well.
Those participating in the trip included (major and hometowns noted): students Brooklyn Franco – junior history from Syracuse, Utah; Dennis Kirkpatrick, Jr. – junior social science from Auburn; Matthew Ramold – junior social science teaching from Nebraska City; Anastasia Wickizer – junior history from Auburn; Rebecca Hupp – sophomore history from O’Neill; Rebecca Traeger – sophomore elementary education from Bennett; and Phillip Hensarling – senior social science teaching from Broken Bow; along with faculty members Dr. Sara B. Crook – professor of history and Dr. Jason Phillips – assistant professor of history.
The group’s first event after arriving in D.C. was to meet with Congressman Adrian Smith at the Capitol which was followed by a tour. Later, the members had a walking tour of the Capital Mall which included seeing the WWII Memorial, Vietnam Wall Memorial, Korean Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Washington Monument, Executive Office Building, and the White House.
The second day started with a tour of the National Archives which was followed by a visit to the National Museum of American History. Following a visit to Ford’s Theatre, the group finished their day with a supper in Chinatown.
The International Spy Museum was first on the list for the third day and was followed by a visit to the Library of Congress. That afternoon, the members visited the National Museum of the American Indian. That evening the group either attended the musical “Oklahoma!” in the Eisenhower Theater or the “National Symphony Plays Ravel” in the Concert Hall at the Kennedy Center.
The final day of the trip had optional visits where students visited sites such as the Jefferson Memorial, Botanical Gardens, National Museum of Natural History and/or the Washington National Cathedral. The last part of the day and final aspect of the trip included a tour of the Arlington National Cemetery.
Dr. Crook noted that one of the highlights of the trip to the Capitol Building was being there when it was announced that the Senate had just confirmed the appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. In addition, Crook stated, “As a faculty member at Peru State, I have always felt that students greatly benefit by experiential events and this Washington, D.C. tour was no exception. To walk where others have walked before and to be in the spaces where great decisions were and are being made is to experience the impact of our history and our democracy. Having had the opportunity to see these places personally will undoubtedly shape the decisions and participation in our democratic society for the remainder of these students’ lives.”
Franco was incredibly pleased to have had the opportunity to be a part of the trip. She commented, “Our trip to Washington, D.C. was incredible! I learned and saw so much. This trip helped strengthen my desire to become a museum curator. The exhibits and museums we saw were amazing and used great learning tactics, strategies, and overall engagement.”
Continuing, Franco added, “My favorite part of the trip was getting the opportunity to go to the National Archives. Seeing the original documents that founded our nation was something indescribable. The architecture and historical significance that D.C. possess are incomparable. I love history and have always wanted to go to D.C. since I was a little kid. I am so grateful that I finally got the opportunity to see the history-rich city. At one point, I thought my head was going to explode with all the knowledge and excitement. Being inside the Capitol when Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed is a once in a lifetime experience.”
In conclusion, Franco stated, “A special thank you to Dr. Crook who worked so hard to make this trip happen and Dr. Phillips for making dad jokes. Dr. Crook will be sorely missed when she retires this year. She helps make Peru State great.”
Phi Alpha Theta is an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. Its mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians.
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