A student project from Fredericksburg Academy was selected to be featured in a virtual exhibit showcase hosted by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History via the Smithsonian Learning Lab.
Exhibit Title: A Monumental Difference
Student: Simon Dewees-Hanna
Teacher: Katelyn Blashford
This project represents the State of Virginia in the showcase and is one of only 51 chosen for the exhibit.
Ms. Blashford incorporates the National History Day into each tenth-grade history class and has several students who advanced to the national finals this year and are awaiting results due to be announced on June 19.
When asked what set Simon’s project apart, she credits, “his willingness to consider and then reconsider the NHD theme of communication. Simon’s analysis of how governments and citizens shape historical memory and how that message can change was creative and unique. His research regarding the Robert E. Lee memorial in downtown Richmond was especially timely in the face of current historical events. He considered multiple perspectives and did an excellent job synthesizing the history of this singular statue over time. His local project was specific in scope but his line of reasoning and analysis is appealing because it can be applied to more than just this one example from American history.”
The virtual showcase is open now through June 29, 2021 and can be viewed at https://learninglab.si.edu/profile/nationalhistoryday. A Monumental Difference is featured in Region D.
