History came alive for students Monday as they personally discovered artifacts spanning centuries of human events.
The opportunity, organized by American Journey Experience, was part of Young America’s Foundation’s June High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch.
Students heard a presentation by AJE Chief of Outreach Mike Noriega on the importance of preserving history and understanding the principles that shaped America.
AJE brought artifacts including early drafts of the Declaration of Independence, a Revolutionary War musket, President Zachary Taylor’s eyeglasses, and other items from across American history. During the experience, students had the opportunity to handle many of the artifacts while learning about their historical significance.
As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Noriega encouraged students to look beyond historical events and examine the principles that guided the nation’s founding.
“You can go to museums across the country, like the Smithsonian. Now, what’s missing is the element of what? We see things as events, but not necessarily of principles,” said Noriega.
The presentation emphasized the ideas of liberty, faith, and individual rights that influenced the American Founding and continue to shape the nation today.
The experience offered students and their families a perspective that extended beyond a traditional classroom lesson.
“It was beyond inspiring to hold pieces of history in our hands, and to connect to the founding principles that shaped our country,” said Grace Wilkins, a student from California.
For many students, the opportunity transformed history from something they read in a textbook into something they could see, touch, and better understand.
