MacArthur Memorial Education Program

At the MacArthur Memorial, we believe that history is exciting, that it can be accessible to anyone interested in it, and that it is an invaluable part of any education.  The objective of the Memorial's education department is to use the life and times of General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) to enable students and adults to explore American history and learn about their heritage.

To provide “windows” into the past, the Memorial’s education programs utilize a wealth of unique historical materials contained in the museum’s collections, exhibits, and archives.  History is a very human story, and the Memorial’s education programs strive to cover the many different facets of this human experience.  For this reason, many of the Memorial’s education programs are interdisciplinary.

Schools

The MacArthur Memorial offers classroom outreach programs, programs at the Memorial, museum tours, interactive educational activities, and teaching aid packets.  To meet the most SOL requirements, or to allow students to explore topics in depth, an outreach program and a field trip to the Memorial are recommended.  Given the restrictions on time for many teachers, this may not be possible.  Therefore, we invite teachers to choose which programs work best for them - we are happy to work with you to arrange a program for your group or class.

Homeschoolers

The MacArthur Memorial is committed to being a homeschool friendly museum.  All education programs are available to homeschoolers, and can be designed to compliment any curriculum.  Programs, tours, or teaching aid packets can be arranged for individual families or groups of all sizes and grade levels.

The MacArthur Memorial can also provide speakers for any group on a variety of topics related to the life and times of General Douglas MacArthur.  Contact the Education Manager for more details.

Tours

The Life and Times of General Douglas MacArthur

All Ages

Tour the changing worlds of the 19th and 20th centuries. Follow several wars, a cold war, as well as political, social, technological and economic changes through the life and achievements of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. Includes a 24 min. movie about the life of General MacArthur.
(1.5 hours)
A History
Scavenger Hunt

All Ages

K-5 Students will hunt for items within the museum that tell a story about General MacArthur’s life.
(1 hour)

Other groups can arrange Scavenger Hunts by contacting the Education Manager.
Specific Program
Tours/Special Requests

All Ages

Tours of the museum can be arranged to stress particular events or trends in history, i.e. a World War I themed tour, or a tour that traces the evolution of the United States as a world power from 1880 to the Cold War.
(1-1.5 hours)
Schedule a Group Tour On-line

Programs/Outreach

These can be part of your museum experience, or can be part of an outreach to your classroom or group.  These programs involve PowerPoint presentations and can include interactive activities.  All programs use the life of General MacArthur to provide insights into specific moments in history.

The Life and Times
of General Douglas MacArthur

All Ages

General MacArthur was born in the midwest, at a time when outlaws like Jesse James were alive, when electric lights were being installed for the first time, and when Indians like Sitting Bull were involved in the Indian Wars. By the time General MacArthur died, it was an age of nuclear power, jetliners, and television – and America was a few years away from putting a man on the moon.

This program uses the life and achievements of General MacArthur to explore the dramatic changes that took place in American history from 1880-1964.
America Becomes a
World Power:
The Spanish-
American War and
the Philippine-
American War
(1898-1902)

6th
Grade
and
up

“Over 113 days in 1898, America became a world power…”

The student will understand the changing role of the United States in the late nineteenth century by exploring the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War.

SOL Reinforcement:* USII.1a, b, c, f, h, i; USII.5a; VUS.1d, i; VUS.9a; GOVT.1a, c, e; WG.1a, c, e
To End All Wars:
America and World War I
(1914-1918)

6th
Grade
and
up

Students will understand the roots of World War I, and identify both the Allied and Central Powers and the world leaders involved. The student will also understand how American involvement in World War I helped set the stage for the United States to emerge from the conflict as a major power.

SOL Reinforcement:* USII.1.a, b, c, h, i; USII.5.c; WHII.1a; WHII.10a, b; VUS.1.h, VUS.9b; GOVT.1.a, c; WG.1.c; ENG.12.3c
Between the Wars

6th
Grade
and
up

Through the life of General MacArthur, students will learn about the social, economic, and technological changes in American culture during the 1920’s and 1930’s. Students will understand the impact of the Great Depression and will trace rise of Nazi Germany and Japanese imperial ambitions.

SOL Reinforcement:* USII.1a, b, c, h, i; USII.5c; USII.6c, d; WHII.1a; WHII.10b; WHII.11a, b, c; VUS.9b; VUS.10b, c
World War II
(1941-1945)

6th
Grade
and
up

This program covers the basic history of World War II, with a special emphasis on the Pacific Theater and General MacArthur’s service. Students will understand the causes of the war, identify the major players, and examine how the role of the United States evolved as a result of this conflict.

SOL Reinforcement:* USII.1a, b, c, h, i; USII.7a, b; WHII.1a; WHII.12a, b, c; VUS.1a, d, h, i; VUS.11a, b, d, e
The Home Front
Experience During
World War II

All Ages

This program addresses the impact of World War II on the home front. Students will understand how the United States mobilized its resources for the war, and how civilians – both men and women, regardless of age or race, contributed to the war effort.

SOL Renforcement:* USII.7a, c; VUS.12
Winning the Peace:
Macarthur and the
Occupation of Japan

6th
Grade
and
up

Although often dismissed as the end of conflict, an occupation is a vital field of battle where peace can be won or lost. Considering the bitter fighting that took place in the Pacific during World War II, in 1945 the occupation of Japan was a daunting prospect. This program evaluates the success of this occupation and examines its impact on Japan.

SOL Reinforcement:* WHII.12c
The Forgotten War:
The Korean War
(1950-1953)

6th
Grade
and
up

Although considered the “Forgotten War,” the Korean War is significant because it marked a very important shift in American foreign policy. This program explains the causes and major events of the war, and addresses the MacArthur/Truman controversy. The program also makes connections between the Korean War and current events in the news today.

SOL Reinforcement:* USII.1a, b, c, d; USII.8c, WHII.13a, b; VUS.13b, c
The Right to Fight:
African-American
Military Service
1776-2010

All Ages

This program highlights the service and accomplishments of African-American servicemen and women from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror.
Women and the Military

All Ages

This program explores the various ways women have served our country at war and at peace – with special emphasis on the army and navy nurses stationed in the Philippines during World War II.
Leadership Seminar

9th
Grade
and
up

This presentation explores General MacArthur’s development as a leader and discusses his leadership philosophy. It highlights three foundational components of successful leadership that can be observed in General MacArthur’s life and service: Values, Vision, and Proficiency.

Participants will understand the ways in which they can apply General MacArthur’s leadership traits.
The Monuments Men

7th
Grade
and
up

While World War II presented an enormous threat to the cultural heritage of both Europe and Asia, it also marked the first conflict in which there was a concerted effort by the U.S. Army to protect cultural objects and historic buildings.

This program tells the story of the U.S. Army’s “Monuments Men” during World War II and explores the legacy of these soldiers and their mission.

SOL Reinforcement:* USII.7a, b; WHII.12; VUS.11; Visual Arts 7.30; 8.20; AI.27, 29

* SOL’s covered depend on the activities completed and/or the request of the teacher.

Be a volunteer or an intern

For more information contact the Education Manager at

amanda.williams@norfolk.gov or 757.441.2965

 


If you have any comments or suggestions email us.