UNIVERSITY LIGGETT SCHOOL \ NEWS \ NEWS
January 22, 2025
ULS 8th Graders Showcase Work in Smithsonian’s Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program
Thirty-two 8th grade students from University Liggett School (ULS) recently participated in the inaugural Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program, a groundbreaking initiative from the Smithsonian Institution. This program invites students to explore the role their communities have played in shaping the first 250 years of the United States.
In collaboration with the Spring Leadership Academy in Houston, ULS students created compelling short documentary videos that highlight local art and its connection to civic engagement in their communities. These videos were premiered in a special event at ULS, where the student filmmakers answered questions about their work and the process behind it.
“This was a unique and invaluable opportunity for our students to connect with peers across the country while engaging with history through the lens of art and civic involvement,” said Chris Hemler, Cynthia N. Ford Chair of History and the Social Studies at ULS. “Through this collaboration, students not only learned about the contributions of their own community but also gained a broader understanding of how others engage in the civic process.”
Hemler, a Middle and Upper School history teacher, was one of only 20 educators selected nationwide to serve as a Smithsonian Virtual Exchange facilitator. As part of the program, Hemler worked closely with Chad Hardy of Spring Leadership Academy to design activities that encourage students to investigate and reflect on their hometown identity. Together, they led the students through an exploration of how local art and history reflect broader societal themes.
The program’s theme, How Has Your Community Played a Role in 250 Years of the American Experiment?, aligns seamlessly with ULS’s Liggett Approach, which emphasizes place-based history and student-driven inquiry. Hemler’s participation in the program also ties directly into the school’s expanding focus on civic engagement and local history for middle school students, who will engage with this curriculum in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
Through this program, ULS students not only had the opportunity to investigate their community’s role in American history, but they also explored how art and culture play an essential role in the civic process. The collaboration with Spring Leadership Academy allowed them to compare and contrast their findings with students in Houston, fostering a deeper understanding of the commonalities and differences that shape each community.