On a crisp Monday morning, the tranquil streets of Old City Philadelphia were filled with the spirited sounds of flutes and drums as a group of students and educators embarked on a unique educational journey.
Led by musicians from the Philly Fife and Drum Company, the participants waved flags representing their home states and territories during a lively march, marking the beginning of a five-day program aimed at deepening their understanding of U.S. history.
This initiative is a collaboration between National History Day and Carpenters’ Hall, designed to pair high school students with teachers to foster discussions and experiences centered around historical themes.
After its inaugural launch in 2024, where pairs hailed from the original 13 colonies, the 2025 program expanded to include 27 pairs from 26 states and territories, such as Guam, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Notably, Texas had two pairs represented among the selected participants.
Cathy Gorn, the executive director of National History Day and organizer of the program, explained the significance of the name “Young People’s Continental Congress,” which echoes the First Continental Congress established in 1774 to resist British authority. Gorn emphasized, “They learn about other people’s struggles, which helps them understand different perspectives. I think we’re building more thoughtful and informed citizens for the future.”
As the media often highlights issues in society, Gorn noted that spending time with these enthusiastic students brings a sense of hope for the future.
Funding for the trip was generously provided by the Philadelphia City Council’s Philadelphia Cultural Fund, alongside support from the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial and various smaller donors.
Throughout the week, the participating students and teachers will engage with historical sites and museums, stepping out of the traditional classroom setting to connect with America’s founding history.
Their first stop was Carpenters’ Hall, which was the ultimate destination of the march from their hotel and also served as the meeting place for the First Continental Congress.
Once they arrived, Carpenters’ Hall Executive Director Michael Norris welcomed the group with opening remarks and shared some historical insights about the building. However, he was soon interrupted by Patrick Henry, a regular reenactor at Carpenters’ Hall.
Dressed in traditional colonial attire, Henry provided an animated recount of significant events that took place within the hall, capturing the attention and smiles of attendees, including Pennsylvania student Sophia Hyatt.
Hyatt expressed her excitement for immersive learning experiences, stating, “When you just read a textbook, it gets so boring, because you don’t have anything to connect it to. So just being able to visually see everything, it’s almost like you can see them sitting there, arguing and debating. It really deepens your understanding.”
Her teacher, Jennifer Ameigh from Sayre (Pa.) High School, echoed Hyatt’s thoughts, highlighting the value of the experience not only for students but also for educators. Ameigh noted that the trip presents an important opportunity for teachers to connect and share insights on teaching strategies and historical content.
The program also encouraged networking among the educators. Hayle Russell, a teacher from Washington, D.C., who shared accommodations with Morgan Keena from North Dakota, reflected on how the experience breaks the isolation of their individual classrooms. Russell remarked, “Whenever you’re in your classroom, it’s like a little bubble; once that bubble gets popped, you see all these other different perspectives. Their insight is even more valuable because they come from that different background.”
Participants, including Hyatt and Ameigh, were selected to attend the trip based on applications submitted through the National History Day website, which required resumes and personal statements.
Looking ahead, while there are no immediate plans for expansion to maintain the program’s intimate structure, organizers express hope for its return in the summer of 2026, aligning with celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.
National History Day is committed to enhancing history education through innovative programs and resources to promote learning on a global scale.
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