Hands on History Camp
2012 Hands on History Camp
Dates: June 11 – 15, 2012
Times: 8:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. (early drop off begins at 7:30a.m.)
Where: HSF’s Kennedy Pharmacy (324 E. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401) and other locations as specified.
Click here to download a copy of the 2012 Hands on History Camp Application
Deadline for applications: June 1, 2012
Hands-On-History Summer Camp is an interactive camp hosted by HSF which is geared towards giving students an overview of the field of historic preservation and rehabilitation through lectures and tours while providing hands-on experience through various practical workshops. This program provides a look at the world of history, preservation and site interpretation at several historic sites in Savannah. The program is implemented in a day-camp style for five weekdays. The camp workshops, tours and demonstrations are held at various historic sites throughout downtown Savannah and surrounding locations. Students are equipped with detailed profiles of each site and interact with the professional staff at each destination.
- Students gain a foundation in architectural history and preservation theory through walking tours and activities like architectural scavenger hunts and Preservation Bingo.
- Students visit the Massie School, a teaching museum for history and architecture.
- Students tour the Coastal Heritage Society’s Railroad Roundhouse Museum, which houses the oldest and most complete railroad repair shops in the country.
- Students learn to “read” a historic building as Coastal Heritage Society staff preservationists point to visual signs of decay, repair, etc.
- At the Roundhouse, campers also have an opportunity to experience hands-on activities which have included brick re-pointing, stained-glass working, window glazing and white-washing.
- Students visit SCAD’s Clarence Thomas Center for Historic Preservation and work on an architectural software program to learn basic concepts of building design.
- Students visit the Davenport House Museum, Savannah’s premier example of Federal architecture.
- Students tour Fort Pulaski, where they learn about the site and receive demonstrations on historic lime mortar and how it is made.
- Students visit the Tybee Light Station, where they learn about Savannah’s coastal heritage and view projects that are in-progress.
- Camp students visit the Jepson Center where 2011-2012 Box City will be on display. Box City is constructed by students in the current SCCPSS Early College Program; an exercise in urban planning and design.
From the Roundhouse Railroad Museum to Beach Institute and from Tybee Island Light Station to Savannah’s Landmark District; subtle messages of conservation, stewardship and recycling underlie the training. Though the camp, students learn basic architectural periods, styles and features as well as urban planning concepts—both traditional and new. In addition, students gain knowledge about some of Savannah’s early historical figures and their contributions to our community. The camp represents the best of young adult learning techniques: a hands on approach for teaching the importance of history, understanding and appreciating their environment, and seeing the positive impacts of historic preservation (and, in some cases, the negative impacts of losing historic buildings) in their community.The camp culminates with an evaluation survey that students are required to complete, and which helps us measure and improve the effectiveness of our curriculum. Campers are also awarded certificates of completion for their participation. At the conclusion of the camp students have a solid understanding of Savannah, her history, preservation, and perhaps equally important, valuable trades which benefit their community.
“As proud sponsors of Hands on History Summer Camp, The team at Rives E. Worrell Company understands and appreciates Savannah’s incredible past. As a company that has been in business for 56 years, we are happy to play a role in preserving our past for future generations.”