(Stillwater, NY) — Students from Questar III BOCES’ Rensselaer Academy recently visited the site of one of the Revolutionary War’s most consequential engagements, thanks to a grant from the American Battlefield Trust’s History Field Trip Grant Program.
This trip, organized by Questar III teacher Jennifer O’Hara, provided students with an exceptional, hands-on history learning opportunity to explore the Saratoga National Historic Park. It was there in the fall of 1777 that American forces dealt a stunning blow to British General John Burgoyne’s invading forces, leading to the capture of his entire army and ultimately persuading the French to join the war on the side of the Americans.
Students took a guided tour of the battlefield, explored the exhibits in the park’s visitor center, and watched an informative video highlighting the importance of what took place there almost two-and-a-half centuries earlier.
The Trust grants are awarded based on a competitive national application process, demonstrating Ms. O’Hara’s commitment to excellence in the classroom.
“The American Battlefield Trust’s grant allowed us to afford an experience that would not be covered in our budget.” O’Hara said.
The American Battlefield Trust is the largest battlefield land preservation organization in the country, having saved more than 60,000 acres of hallowed ground across 25 states. Through visiting preserved battlefields and walking in the footsteps of the citizen soldiers who fought there, the Trust aims to provide a foundation of good citizenship for the leaders of tomorrow. The Trust strives to produce excellent educational resources in a variety of formats for both educators and the public alike, ensuring that Americans never forget how their country was forged.
Every year, the Trust receives applications from classrooms across the country to participate in the History Field Trip Grant Program, which offers funding and assistance to K-12 teachers planning field trips to Civil War, War of 1812, or Revolutionary War battlefields and related historic sites. During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 12,000 students from 35 states took part.
“How wonderful for these children to get a chance to go to where history was made, where our country was created and defined,” said Trust President David Duncan of the History Field Trip Grant Program recipients. “Battlefields and other historic sites exemplify the ‘power of place.’ They are outdoor classrooms that will teach future Americans about our democratic republic.”
O’Hara has enormous enthusiasm for teaching history and was excited to utilize the Saratoga Battlefield as an outdoor classroom that gave students a meaningful and memorable experience. The American Battlefield Trust is proud to support and empower such excellent educators as they inspire the next generation of proud Americans.
“A field trip lets us turn history into something more tangible,” O’Hara said. “The opportunity to turn a lesson into an experience our students are excited for is the surest way to help them connect with the material in a way they won’t soon forget.”
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.