History Discovery Center at Hanover Tavern

FAIN: CZ-50038-04

Hanover Tavern Foundation (Hanover, VA 23069)
Joseph D. Kyle (Project Director: June 2003 to April 2008)

Endowment for an education coordinator and humanities programs at the History Discovery Center.

Funds are sought to create an endowment to support the History Discovery Center at Hanover Tavern. The Foundation is in the process of developing object based learning opportunities for all age groups built around events associated with the Tavern. We are developing humanities related learning opportunities that are content rich and fun. As a first step, the Foundation has commissioned and premiered three short plays based on Tavern related events. When the audience is school groups, attendees follow up the program with hands on activities utilizing period appropriate objects (reproductions to permit handling) supervised by humanities professionals or persons trained by them. Pre visit, teachers are provided an extensive packet of learning materials. When the audience consists of adults, the drama production (10-15 minutes) is followed by a tour of the Tavern led by humanities professionals who describe the Tavern's importance to travelers and local residents and how that role has changed over two centuries due, in part, to changing transport modes. The programming is intended to permit (encourage) audience participation and also to permit a humanities professional to take that program off site. Approximately 30,000 9-11 year old live within a 45 minute bus ride as well as a large and growing number of retirement centers and assisted living complexes. Hanover Tavern has a singular opportunity to expand the humanities understanding of learners of all ages. On site activities take place in a 160-seat theater installed by the prior owner. The Tavern is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and on the Virginia Landmarks Register. The broader impact of NEH funding is the public's support for the preservation of historic resources so that future generations can continue to learn about and enjoy their heritage.