New Smithsonian “Democracy in Dialogue” teen program at Chemung Historical Society

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – The Chemung County Historical Society is participating in a new “virtual exchange program” for teens called “Democracy in Dialogue.” The program for 13 to 18-year old students is presented by the national Smithsonian Institution .

A so-called “virtual exchange” will link up to 15 local high students with a school in Laramie, Wyoming, about 1,700 hundred miles away.

The Chemung County Historical Society is the only historical society in the country that’s participating in the pilot program along with 19 other schools nationwide.

“We are the only one,” said Susan Zehnder, the Education Director at the Chemung County Historical Society and Museum. “Everyone else in the program is a classroom teacher. We kind of flipped that little bit. We have a lot of objects, we the history to share. So, we have been paired with a classroom in Laramie.”

The Smithsonian says the goal is for teens to “Share and reflect with another community in another corner of the country. Celebrate the commonalities and the differences.”

The program’s website says: “More than a date on the calendar, 1776 represents a launching point of the qualities that make up American democracy, including but not limited to diversity, innovation, and perseverance. While not always perfect, communities of all sizes have drawn inspiration from these qualities to contribute to 250 years of the American experiment. Centering local stories within this national narrative helps young people grasp the indispensability of the human voice, in all its variety, in ensuring a robust democracy.”

The program asks students to consider one question. “How has your community played a role in 250 years of the American experiment?

Zehnder says the students will become “virtual pen pals,” exchanging stories and histories from their own communities. Students will also be creating three to five minute videos about an ordinary historical object. person or event and the extraordinary story behind it.

“The Smithsonian is going to have the option of putting them onto their site as well. So, we’re really excited for the whole process. It is quite a prestige,” Zehnder said.

Zehnder says 6 students have signed up so far. There are 9 slots left. We spoke with three high school students who will be participating.

“As young folks watching the democratic process, why do you think it’s important to communicate with people all over the country, no matter where they live?” asked reporter Nick Dubina.

“I think it’s very important to communicate because if you’re not communicating, there’s tension,” said 17-Year-Old Nicole Kailbourne, a Senior at Horseheads High School. “It’s very important with the communication part and looking at history, because then you have a sense of where you’re from and how this happened.”

Myla Perry, a 16-year-old, a Junior in Elmira High School, agreed.

“Like she said, so there’s no tension, so there’s no violence, so we can all get our word out without it being violent,” Perry said.

The students who just signed up also include 16-year-old Emma Boynton from Elmira High School.

“It’s important to know others history, and not just your own, and understand the importance of other places, and what it means to your place, so you know the society around you.”

To learn more about the program and how to sign up, visit the Smithsonian “Democracy in Dialogue” webpage or the Chemung County Historical Society .

Below, you can watch the full interview with Susan Zehnder, Education Director at the Chemung County Historical Society & Museum.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.