Educational Programs

A wide variety of opportunities exist throughout the Essex National Heritage Area to learn about the history and culture of our region through organized classes, workshops, after school and summer programs. Many are offered by the local museums and historical societies. The Commission offers support through financial grants and administrative support. Major programs include:

Essex LINCs - Local History in a National Context

Essex LINCs, www.essexlincs.org, is a federally funded grant designed to provide elementary school teachers with access to local primary source material to enhance their social studies lessons. Through a partnership with Salem State College, Essex National Heritage Commission, Beverly Public Schools and the National Archives in Waltham, Essex County educators will gain insight into national events and trends in American history. This program gives teachers tailor-made lessons designed by a museum educator, as well as an opportunity to visit nearby historical sites and see primary documents first hand. Subsequently these educators will produce their own lessons and activities to best meet the needs of their students. We are excited about promoting enthusiasm for history here in Essex County!

Using Essex History

A three-year project, Using Essex History connects the people, places, and events of Essex County, Massachusetts to national developments and themes in order to increase the depth, breadth, and quality of the county's American history teachers' knowledge and understanding of United States history. Through intensive monthly seminars and summer institutes, Salem State College's (SSC) American history faculty and nationally renowned scholars provide Essex County's middle and high school teachers with the increased content knowledge that will allow them to improve the quality of instruction given to their students.

Thomas M. Leonard Grant Fund for Education (Tom's Fund)

In recognition of founding ENHC President Tom Leonard’s role in the creation of the Heritage Area and his fifteen-year commitment to promoting our mission,  Essex Heritage established the Thomas M. Leonard Partnership Grant for Education in 2005. This educational grant  nurtures the future stewards of the region’s historic, cultural and natural resources. Funded by private and public donations, the grant fund benefits qualified organizations serving youth at risk, increasing their awareness and commitment to preserving the Area resources. Your donation to this fund would be most welcome; please call us at: 978-740-0444 or click here to donate.