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Cemetery Grave Hunter: Discover DC History

This 90-minute program asks students to explore U.S. and Washington history through the lives of those buried at Historic Congressional Cemetery. Guided by an educator, students will locate gravesites, working in small groups to investigate, interpret, connect to, and reflect on historical figures who represent themes of American identity. Programs can be customized to classroom needs or curricular goals, but the standard format aligns with a broad range of grade-appropriate learning standards.

Please note:
The graves, memorials, and other stones in the cemetery are fragile and are susceptible to toppling if they are touched or pushed. Please note that for safety reasons that no student may touch, push, or lean on graves. In addition, there is no running in the cemetery. We ask that you please assist us in enforcing these requirements with your students! We ask that you please provide enough chaperones and educators to supervise your group.

Due to our status as a National Historic Landmark, we are unable to be ADA compliant. We appreciate your understanding.

The cemetery is open to off-leash dog walking most days of the week, including during field trips. If you would like to request us to close to dogs to accommodate your group, please let us know ahead of time and we may be able to accommodate your request.

Grade level: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
Maximum attendees: 25
Program Outline:

This program runs approximately 90 minutes and is divided into three parts:

Introduction to the Cemetery and Activity Overview: 5–10 minutes

History Hunt Activity: Approximately 80 minutes
Each gravesite visit lasts about 10–15 minutes, with a built-in 10-minute buffer to allow for travel time between sites and smooth transitions to group discussions.

Structure of a Gravesite Visit:
Gravesite Observation & Question Prompts: ~3 minutes
Background History Talk: ~3 minutes
Discussion and Reflection: ~4–9 minutes

Students will work in groups of three to four, sharing a single History Hunt handout that guides their experience. This document includes a thinking routine designed to prompt observations, spark questions, and encourage curiosity about the site. After observing the gravesite, students will gather for a brief history talk facilitated by a cemetery educator. This is followed by a short seminar-style discussion focused on drawing connections between the individual’s story and broader historical themes.

The discussion prompts are intentionally introspective, encouraging students to explore ideas such as historical legacy, identity, diversity, and cultural pluralism. As students walk between sites, they are encouraged to continue conversations within their groups. At the conclusion of the program, each group will present a completed History Hunt and brief evaluation. Every student will receive a commemorative History Hunter acrylic keychain+sticker as a prize.

Date Options:
10/07/2025
10/21/2025
11/04/2025
11/11/2025
11/18/2025
11/25/2025
12/02/2025
12/09/2025
12/16/2025
01/06/2026
Time Options: 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Program Type:
  • Field Trip to Provider Site
Discipline:
  • History
Additional Languages: Spanish Version of Handout Available
Accessibility Measures:
  • Large font print, Non-English resources/interpretation, Fidgets