Eighth Graders Explore History Curriculum in Philadelphia

11/5/2025

To deepen their understanding of the Constitution and American history, the eighth grade class traveled to Philadelphia, a city that played a vital role during the American Revolution.

Each year, middle school history faculty Stephen Hildreth and Tim Campbell organize the trip to the many landmarks and sights, including the National Constitution Center, where students view exhibitions and “Freedom Rising,” a multimedia production that tells the story of the Constitution.

“Students are currently exploring the creation of the U.S. Constitution,” explained Campbell, who is also the eighth grade dean. “We focus on the Constitutional Convention of 1787, as well as the creation of the Bill of Rights and individual freedoms and rights. Students learn about critical amendments to the Constitution (such as the 13th, 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments) and a bit more about colonial American culture.”

Calling the trip a highlight of eighth grade thus far, Ellie Di Domenico ’30 enjoyed being immersed in the history lessons. “We were able to see what we are learning about, like the Liberty Bell,” she said. “I learned so much about how and where the Constitution was written and the women’s rights movement.”

Stephanie Serota ’30 said, “I enjoyed seeing Carpenters’ Hall, where the first Continental Congress was held. We have been learning about the Continental Congress so I found it interesting to see where delegates debated how our government should be structured.”

The students were also required to take photos as part of a triptych for a short video presentation on “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“My triptychs were of a mini model of Carpenters’ Hall, the outside of Independence Hall, a wall of posters about women's rights that we saw in the Museum of the American Revolution and a walkway that had the ‘footsteps of George Washington,’” Serota said.

According to Hildreth, it was a fun and enlightening day during which the students took part in bonding activities, including lunch at Reading Terminal Market, and meaningful academic enrichment, such as “seeing Independence Hall and realizing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were both argued, discussed and created there.”