Education Program

Over the past two years, as MCHS has been developing and implementing its strategic plan, establishing an active educational program has remained an important aspect of revitalizing the Historical Society. Rather than simply building "a better mousetrap," and hope the public beats a path to our door, MCHS is developing a range of educational programs to attract more researchers and visitors of all ages. Complimenting the History Roundtable, MCHS will be offering school tours, research classes and topical programs aimed at "Inspiring New Generations of Local Historians." To help develop and implement these programs MCHS has hired Andrea Simila, who will also oversee administrative functions for the Society.

Andrea, who comes to MCHS with a degree in history and business, began her career in history as a volunteer at the Polk County Historical Society organizing historic documents. Later she was hired to coordinate the Mission Mill Players and was responsible for developing an eight-week children's day camp to train nearly a dozen living history interpreters in period games and crafts. The following summer Andrea was a tour guide in historic houses at the Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. After college Andrea helped develop educational lesson plans at the Petersburg National Battlefield, Petersburg, Virginia and guided visitors through the historic mansion and grounds of Grey Towers National Historic Landmark in Milford, Pennsylvania. MCHS is fortunate to find someone of her skills, abilities and experience who possesses a "love of learning and desire to teach others."

"I want to extend a warm hello to you, the invaluable members of the MCHS. Since Kuri first told me about the new Education-Administrative Coordinator position at MCHS excitement was the feeling that kept coursing through my veins. I have lived in Monmouth my whole life and my father grew up in Salem, so I definitely feel like this area is home. I fell in love with history in fourth grade, studied it in college and am so glad to get to "do history" for a living now! This is an incredibly exciting time for MCHS and I am honored to take part in all we have planned: reorganizing the archives, renovating the exhibits, and enriching the education program to reach "new generations of local historians." I look forward to serving you and if you get a chance, drop by and introduce yourself!"

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