Lynnhaven School Students Showcase Research at Virginia Council for Social Studies Conference

Farmville, VA - Lynnhaven School (Henrico, VA) students made a notable appearance at the Virginia Council for the Social Studies Conference, which took place at Longwood University from March 1st to 3rd, 2024. Abbey and Brooks, both from the class of '24 and members of Magnolia House, spearheaded a discussion with their poster presentation, "The Danger of a Single Story." Their presentation was a significant contribution to the conference's focus on "Teaching Hard History."

Their exhibit showcased a research project that critiqued the traditional accounts of African descent peoples in the Americas from the 15th to the 18th century. This study stemmed from a Project-Based Learning (PBL) venture within their Pan-African Studies I course, centering around the question, "What was life like for people of African descent in the Americas in the 15th-18th centuries?"

They embarked on a thorough investigation of primary documents and historical fiction, bringing to light the stories of lesser-known historical figures like Ona Judge, Olaudah Equiano, and Elizabeth Key. Their work highlighted the defiance and endurance of these individuals, offering a rich, layered understanding that is often missed in mainstream education.

During the event, Abbey and Brooks shed light on the significance of including challenging aspects of history in education. They discussed how expanding the range of narratives enhances our grasp of history and contributes to a more inclusive representation of our collective past. They championed an education system that acknowledges the complexity of history, calling on educators to include a diverse and accurate depiction of underrepresented narratives in their lessons.
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Lynnhaven School is at the forefront of innovative educational approaches, empowering its students to tackle intricate subjects and working through complex projects.

To learn more about Lynnhaven School, visit www.tlsrva.org or contact Dr. Casey Hitchcock (804)-750-2300. 

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