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Educational Outreach

P.A.S.T. feels that the key to promoting an appreciation for the structural treasures of Union County is by encouraging the community to learn about local history, the significance in the history of the region, and the role the county has played in national or world events. Families keep their history alive by oral histories, photographs and heirlooms passed down to each generation. Local history, likewise, can be passed through education in academic activities and curriculum. Teachers in Union County are already trying to incorporate this appreciation for local history into their curriculum. They should be commended for identifying this area of need in their academic programs and striving to include local history in different areas of their curriculum.

In the spring of 2002, P.A.S.T. applied to the National Endowment of the Humanities for a Local History Initiative Challenge Grant. In assessing the projects already in place, the need for an active educational outreach project was determined by P.A.S.T. While the NEH grant was not awarded to P.A.S.T. at this time, this area became a new project for P.A.S.T. with Rita Dodd and Carla Smith taking on the co-chair roles of this committee. In the summer of 2002, the Kiwanis Club invited P.A.S.T. to speak at one of their meetings. This new project was included in that presentation. As a result, the Kiwanis Club hosted a benefit barbecue to fund this educational outreach the following January.

During the next several months, the committee engaged in much discussion to determine the best way to use this funding to help the teachers of all levels include local history in their curriculum. Meetings with some of the area teachers were conducted to discuss their challenges and common needs in teaching local history. Byron Dodd of Taylor Dodd and Wood was the underwriter of those meetings.

One goal of this committee was to not impose more upon the teachers thus making this study prohibitive, but to aid the teachers in their efforts. The result of these meetings, the 2004 Union County Heritage Grant Program, offering grants to teachers, is a new direction for P.A.S.T. Thanks to the Kiawanis' BBQ sale in January 2003, the project can offer these small grants to teachers in Union County to help fund local history education or local history related projects.

These grants will be awarded on an-going basis as funds allow to public or private schools or to a home-school group or association in Union County only. The forms to apply and guidelines are on accompanying pages. These forms may also be obtained by writing to the email address below for information.

P.A.S.T. is excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our county¹s schools. This program would not have been possible without the efforts of the Kiwanis Club. We gratefully acknowledge their support of our educational project. We are also indebted to the educators who were willing to meet with us and offer their suggestions and ideas as to how best to encourage the teaching of Union County history. Byron Dodd of Taylor Dodd and Wood made those meetings and presentations better by underwriting materials needed. Thanks to all who participated and contributed to this committee.

If you would like to be involved in future P.A.S.T. Educational Outreach projects, please contact us using the information below.

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