Seven full-size posters lining the perimeter of the Rogers High School library are providing a unique learning experience for the school’s history classes. Roger’s was chosen as one of 100 schools nationwide to receive the WWII Exhibit from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
“It's a different way of learning it,” Anna Beck, Rogers junior, said. “We’re in a classroom everyday, but this is something new.”
The posters feature digestible photos and text from primary sources, outlining the timeline of WWII and its historical significance relating to the United States. Rogers’ history teacher Karrie Docterman said a display like this helps bring historical events to life for the students.
Docterman applied for a grant to get the WWII exhibit and says Rogers got lucky, securing one of the spots. As part of the grant, Rogers is exposing as many students as possible to the exhibit while it’s at the school. Every junior and senior at the school will experience the exhibit as part of a lesson plan.
“Having the students see the pictures along with the quotes, and seeing there were real people that were a part of it. I think it really helps to bring history to life,” Docterman said.
On Jan. 14, Rogers is hosting a community night from 4:30-7:30 p.m. that is open to any member of the community. Staff invited neighborhood schools and the local VFW in an effort to expose more people to the exhibit. The community night will also be tied to a Rogers’ basketball game, which is free for any veteran to attend that night.