Fort Monroe Educational Interpretative Plan
PROJECT SUMMARY: Fort Monroe (also known as the Fort Monroe National Monument) was a military installation in Hampton, Virginia at Old Point Comfort, the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula. Along with Fort Wool, Fort Monroe guarded the navigational channel between the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads. Surrounded by a moat, the seven-sided stone fort is the largest stone fort ever built in the United States.
Fort Monroe National Monument spans the American story through the 21st century: American Indian presence, Captain John Smith’s journeys, a safe haven for freedom seekers during the Civil War, and a bastion of defense for the Chesapeake Bay. A public planning process will determine future public services and programming at this new national park with a centuries-old tradition.
In contrast to other historic sites in the Tidewater region, each of which interprets a particular time period, Fort Monroe distinguished itself by promoting the full range of American history, from pre-contact Native Americans to 21st century military installation, that is available onsite [more research needed on American Revolution period, though]. The whole spectrum is available, all in one place, providing an extremely rich context for learning about history. Target audiences for educational programming at Fort Monroe includedccurriculum-based audiences and members of the general public, families in particular. Curriculum-based audiences include both school children and their teachers.
PARTNER: Mink’ED worked in partnership on this project with the principals of Interpretive Solutions.
FUNDING & SUPPORT: Funding was made possible by Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority (FMFADA).