9 October 2018
Edna Newey
Summer may seem like it’s a long way off, but professors will tell you it is fast approaching. That is the reality that faces Barbara Headle and Jan Myers of UCCS’s History Department as they plan for the class that is traveling to Boston this coming June.
When I attended the preliminary meeting, it seemed very bare to me – maybe half a dozen people came – but Headle and Myers assure us that this a very good turnout indeed for a first meeting. UCCS requires 15 people enrolled in this three-credit course, the travel agency asks for 12 travelers.
Headle and Myers say that this trip has been a long time coming.
The expense of traveling in country being on par with that of an international trip has made this trip a twelve-year project. Thanks to a savvy travel agent however, the cost has become much more affordable and will make this excursion the first domestic course for the History Department.
I myself have already committed myself to going (mentally at least). The knowledge and experience gained by standing in the same place that history has happened will be invaluable to me as a history major. This should not discourage non-History majors from joining the trip.
“The chance to explore Boston, Plymouth, Lexington and Concord through the various lenses of literature, art, history and culture will, I hope, appeal not only to their academic interests, but also to their personal interests,” says Headle.
Those who want a different learning experience are also encouraged to come to the preliminary meetings to see if they would like to join. Coming to the meeting is in no way a sign of commitment. Those who have an idea for the trip are encouraged to join preliminary meetings while the itinerary is still malleable.
While most classes are bound by timelines and themes, the unique circumstances of traveling courses allow students to bring the physical dimension of otherwise conceptual events. No book can ever substitute the tactile sensation of standing where history happened.
Some stops already planned include The U.S.S Constitution, Plymouth Plantation (where an authentic dinner will be hosted), Lexington and Concord and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Either Copp’s Burial Ground or the Boston Library is Headle’s most anticipated destination.
While not official in any way, there is also some talk of adding an additional day to the trip for students to take time to explore sites outside the itinerary. Should this go through, you can bet that I will be taking a day trip to Salem.
I myself have not done any extensive travel. I went on a trip to Washington D.C. when I was in middle school, but, being a minor, that was like a long-distance day-care excursion. As a fully-grown adult, I appreciate that I can step outside my room after 9 p.m. if I so please.
There remains the question, however, of who can come on the trip. It would be easier to name those who can’t go – individuals without affiliation, or affiliation by extension of relation to UCCS. End of list.
What is best of all is that guests of UCCS students do not need to be enrolled at UCCS or the class in order to go on the trip. This means that students with children and spouses or otherwise do not necessarily have to fully submerge into unfamiliar landscape and can share the experience with company slightly lovelier than a bunch of history nerds.
This trip is open to all students and their families, so if your interested in the history of Boston, just want to see the city in June or you’re looking for some extra credits over the summer look into it.