Poster - #VH-77914 - Keywords: Rural, Social Studies, Curriculum, WWII, Narratives

Rooted in Place: Rural Stories as Social Studies​ A Sabbatical Exploration of Place-Based Curriculum​

Dr. Jessica Morris​ Associate Professor of Education, New England College
New England College

ABSTRACT:
This sabbatical project explores the power of place-based education in rural communities through the lens of local history and personal narrative. Centered in New Hampshire, Rooted in Place draws on archival research, community storytelling, and World War II-era letters exchanged between rural residents and loved ones serving abroad. Through collaboration with local historical societies and educators, this project transforms these primary sources into a narrative-based social studies and ELA curriculum designed for local rural schools. The work aims to foster deeper student connections to their communities, promote civic identity, and honor the lived experiences that have shaped these small N.H. towns. This curriculum framework offers a model for how rural stories can serve as meaningful entry points for teaching history, literacy, and place-based inquiry in K–12 education.