Castles, forts and ancient temples attract visitors from across the globe for good reason; their beauty draws them in as historical places spark curiosity about human history that no other source can.
Teaching with historic places helps students grasp the context of history. Students gain experience asking, “why?” and experiencing how historic sites can inspire awe in them.
1. They tell a story.
Certain historical places worldwide captivate our collective imagination for their sheer beauty and human ingenuity, from Petra in Jordan to George Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh – each site offering us an unrivaled window into history. Preserving these cultural and historic places serves to honor both past and future, while simultaneously supporting tourism industry jobs by drawing tourists there for tours or transport. As these spaces hold special meaning for their communities they provide pride of place as the backbones of heritage and culture.
3. They are historic.
Every city, town, community, state and region has an incredible past that is often manifest in buildings like homes, factories, shops, schools and churches; landscapes such as battlefields or parks also often hold historic places that date back decades or centuries.
House museums or the former homes of famous artists, businesspeople or soldiers can provide significant cultural or historical value. Such historic places often reflect the wide diversity of people, social classes and heritages present within a region or country.
Historic places promote tourism and help people to discover their culture and history. Visits to museums, parks, fairs and historic neighborhoods often lead to physical health benefits as visitors typically engage in an active form of exercise (usually walking). Teaching with historic sites ignites curiosity within students about why something exists the way it does and fosters discussions on why something exists the way it does.
4. They are educational.
World history is filled with incredible sites that illustrate human ingenuity and achievements, providing the ideal educational setting to spark students’ interest in history. These world-famous landmarks and places of wonder serve as perfect classroom tools, giving students a deeper appreciation for human history.
Historic house museums and other historical sites are making concerted efforts to strengthen their interpretive programs. At Shadows on the Teche in Louisiana, for instance, students participate in an immersive plantation-style program to learn about its history by engaging with people who once resided there.
At Grant’s Tomb in Washington D.C., students can engage in discussions that challenge popular conceptions of an unfavorable figure – helping them understand that scientific explanations must be logical, subject to criticism, and grounded in experimental or observational data.
5. They are fun.
The world is filled with incredible, eye-opening historical sites. Ranging from majestic buildings to serene memorials, each lasting site offers insight into human history while inspiring imagination worldwide. Exploring cultural and historic sites isn’t only fun; it can also be good for your health! Walking between museums, parks, battlefields or other historical places increases physical activity levels while stimulating personal growth and learning which has been shown to improve mental wellbeing.
