Business funds a 'Unique' learning experience

In early December 2009, more than 300 fourth-grade students from six Fremont, Ohio, elementary schools visited the Hayes Home and the Hayes Museum as part of the Hayes Presidential Center’s new Curriculum Connections program.

When Fremont, Ohio ’s Unique Fabrications learned of the Center ’s new educational program, they asked how the company could be of help. Unique Fabrications offered to become a sponsor, making students’ visit possible by covering all of the transportation costs.

Designed as a three-part "satellite classroom" experience, Curriculum Connections provides each teacher with two educational DVD resources for classroom pre and post visit activities. Created by the Hayes Center staff, the fully-narrated DVDs complement the learning experience of students’ onsite visit. “Exploring Ohio's Past : A Visit to the Hayes Presidential Center” features the Hayes Center's original documents, photographs, artifacts, and the physical environment of Spiegel Grove. Fully aligned with Ohio ’s Academic Content Standards, Curriculum Connections also encourages students’ critical thinking skills and creativity through its “How Can We Learn More?” follow-up activities.

Students were thrilled that their visit coincided with the White House Pets and White House Horses exhibit and the Hayes Train Special . One student said, "I am coming back as soon as I can. This train is so cool!" Another asked, "Just exactly how old are those Indian moccassins?"

Hayes Presidential Center Development Director Kathy Boukissen is seeking additional sponsors for school systems that do not have adequate funding for a visit. For more information about Curriculum Connections or to donate to the program contact Kathy at 419-332-2081, ext. 26 or email her at kboukissen@rbhayes.org.