The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
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Richard Riley, photograph album with cyanotypes of the Calhoun Industrial School (a freedmen's school devoted to industrial education), Calhoun, Va., ca. 1897-1905. (Detail, GLC 05140.02)
Who is eligible for the program?
Are first-year teachers eligible to apply?
Are teachers from the same school or institution allowed to apply to the same seminar?
Are there limits on the number of times that an individual can participate in the Summer Seminar Program?
What expenses does the seminar pay for? Are participants responsible for their own travel? How much money should I bring?
Am I required to list three seminar preferences?
How will applicants be selected?
When will I be notified whether or not I have been selected?
May I bring my family or friends?
What are my responsibilities as a participant?
Where will I be staying? Are rooms shared or private? Will I have a private bathroom?
Do I get graduate, in-service, or new teacher credit for participation?
When is the $400 stipend given out?
Where do the seminars take place? If I choose to drive, will parking be available?
What time should I arrive/depart? May I leave early?
What is the dress code?
Will I have access to the Internet? Should I bring my own laptop?
Should I bring the books and Course Reader (if applicable)?
Will I have any free time for touring?
Can I get a list of co-participants for future reference?



Who is eligible for the program?
High school, middle school, and elementary school teachers, as well as NPS interpreters may apply. In addition, principals, curriculum specialists, and librarians may apply if they have responsibility for curriculum in American history.
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Are first-year teachers eligible to apply?
Yes. The Institute accepts applicants with a wide range of teaching experience.


Are teachers from the same school or institution allowed to apply to the same seminar?
Yes, an applicant may apply to any seminar.

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Are there limits on the number of times that an individual can participate in the Summer Seminar Program?
Yes. A participant may not attend two consecutive summers.


What expenses does the seminar pay for? Are participants responsible for their own travel? How much money should I bring?
A $400 stipend is provided at the end of the seminar to all participants to cover travel and incidentals. The Institute also provides room and board for the length of the seminar; program-related trips; and required readings. Participants should be prepared to pay for all other personal expenses.

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Am I required to list three seminar preferences?
Listing three seminar preferences increases the chances of being accepted.
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How will applicants be selected?

The selection committee looks for applications that demonstrate a love of and interest in American history, a commitment to stay in the profession, and an ability to share the knowledge gained with other teachers. Recommendation letters from supervisors may be submitted to support the application.


When will I be notified whether or not I have been selected?
The Institute will notify applicants by the end of April via postal mail.
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May I bring my family or friends?
No. The seminars require active participation throughout the week.


What are my responsibilities as a participant?

Participants are required to attend all activities, lectures and events during the week. They are also required to complete two document-based assignments.

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Where will I be staying? Are rooms shared or private? Will I have a private bathroom?

The Institute will provide university housing. Participants will have private rooms but may have to share a common area and a bathroom.


Do I get graduate, in-service, or new teacher credit for participation?
Participants who complete the seminar in a satisfactory manner will receive a certificate. Teachers may use this certificate to receive in-service credit, subject to the policy of their district. No university credit is offered for the course.
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When is the $400 stipend given out?

The stipend is given out on the final day of the seminar upon completion and full participation in all aspects of the seminar, including completion of an evaluation. For participants traveling internationally, the stipend is $500.

Where do the seminars take place? If I choose to drive, will parking be available?
The seminars are held at the universities and colleges listed on the website and in the brochure. If you decide to drive to your seminar, please call the seminar department at (646) 366-9666 and the Institute will find out whether or not parking is available. If the university does not offer parking you will be responsible for finding and paying for a space.
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What time should I arrive/depart? May I leave early?
You will receive a letter with detailed instructions and a weekly schedule. Registration is on Sunday afternoon, and generally seminar projects are presented on the following Saturday. Participants are expected to remain for the duration of the seminar. Please make travel arrangements accordingly.

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What is the dress code?

The dress code is informal. In some seminars, there is a lot of walking, so please bring comfortable shoes.


Will I have access to the Internet? Should I bring my own laptop?

University computer labs will be available. However, bringing your own laptop will allow you more flexibility and reduce your reliance on computer labs. If you do bring a laptop, remember that you are responsible for the security of your property.
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Should I bring the books and course reader (if applicable)?

Yes, please bring all books and readings that were assigned to you.


Will I have any free time for touring?

You will be heavily involved with the seminar during the week and will have little free time. Most seminars incorporate local historical sites into their schedules.
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Can I get a list of co-participants for future reference?

The Institute will provide a list of co-participants.


Whom should I contact for more details?

If you have a question that is not answered in this list of FAQs, please call the Seminar Department at the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History at (646) 366-9666 or email seminars@gilderlehrman.org.
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For Teachers and Students Seminars Summer Seminars for Teachers