Teachers looking for resources and practical cross-curriculum ideas for teaching Civil War history will find them at the free third annual Civil War Teacher Institute July 30 to August 1 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke.

The institute is sponsored by Virginia Tech's Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and the Civil War Preservation Trust.

"We hope to build on the success of last year's workshop and make that great watershed of the American heritage more dramatic and more inspiring for teacher and student alike," said James I. Robertson Jr., Virginia Tech Alumni Distinguished Professor of history and well-known Civil War author. "Our generation is the bridge -- the only bridge -- between Civil War soldiers and generations yet to come. We have a moral and patriotic obligation to ensure education keeps all ages informed of the American past; for if our children lose their culture, we will have lost our history."

All activities at the institute, including meals, are free, although teachers will have to provide their own lodging. Teachers who attend also will earn 2.2 continuing education units through Virginia Tech.

Featured speakers will include Robertson; William C. Davis, a Virginia Tech history professor and program director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies; and Jim Lighthizer, president of the Civil War Preservation Trust.

Other participants include historians from the Pamplin Historical Park and National Museum of the Civil War Soldier in Petersburg, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Victorian Dance Ensemble, representatives from the Petersburg National Battlefield, and Doug Jimerson and the Gilmore Light Ensemble. Activities include a field trip to Appomattox Courthouse, demonstrations by living historians, and focused material topics. There will be ample opportunities for questions and for networking.

Reservations for the institute must be made by July 9. To register, call Jennifer Rosenberry toll-free at (888) 606-1400 or send an e-mail message to jrosenberry@civilwar.org. To reserve a room at the Hotel Roanoke, call the hotel directly at (540) 985-5900 or toll-free at (866) 594-4722 (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday). Ask for the Civil War Preservation Trust Institute room block when making a reservation.

To see a report on last year's institute go to www. civilwar.org/historyclassroom/hc_anntechinst.htm.

This story was written by Richard L. Lovegrove.

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