Category: White House

Teacher institute explores White House history

7/31/2025

USD 376 district librarian Amy Brownlee toured the White House and visited other notable sites in Washington, D.C., as part of the fully-funded White House History Teacher Institute.

The five-day program involved 29 teachers from 22 U.S. states who participated in lectures, discussions, activities, and field trips. The goal was to inspire teachers with knowledge and activities that can be transferred to lessons that make history come alive for their students.

While in D.C., Brownlee visited the Decatur House, Frederick Douglass’s former residence at Cedar Hill, the National Portrait Gallery, and The People’s House interactive museum. Lectures from historians and a panel discussion with White House residence staff members provided an engaging learning experience.

“We had an after-hours, VIP White House tour with the staff curators and got to spend extended time in the space soaking in the beautiful settings and history,” Brownlee said. “I especially loved seeing the White House Library. They even had a great collection of contemporary children’s books.”

Brownlee was selected for the program through a competitive process with over 250 applicants. The institute is sponsored by the White House Historical Association, a private, non-profit organization founded by First Lady Jackie Kennedy in 1961 for the purpose of preserving and sharing White House history.

Brownlee sits at a replica of the Resolute desk at the Oval Office exhibit at The People's House, a Washington, D.C., museum focused on the inner workings and history of The White House. (courtesy of Amy Brownlee)

Brownlee works with Florida teacher Ashlee Highfill on an activity during her week at a teacher institute put on by the White House Historical Association. (photo by Thom Goertel for the White House Historical Association)

Brownlee is pictured under the presidential seal in the White House. (photo by Thom Goertel for the White House Historical Association)

During her free time, Brownlee visited Georgetown, the DAR Museum and Library, Planet Word museum, the Library of Congress, Folger Shakespeare Library, and the International Spy Museum. She also attended an Army Band jazz concert on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

“The whole institute was outstanding, and I loved meeting teachers from all over the country and learning about their work,” Brownlee said. “The experience renewed my love for American history and gave me a new appreciation for the White House as a symbol of our country that serves as a home, office, museum, and international stage.”

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BW Morning Show Interview: Amy Brownlee

5/1/2025

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Thanks to radio host Glen Grunwald for inviting me into the KWBW 1450 Am 98.5 Fm studio to talk about the travel-and-learn teacher programs I have lined up for this summer. I am traveling to Germany for a 10-day teacher study trip with the Atlantik Brücke organization and will also spend a week in Washington, D.C. for the White House History Teacher Institute.

The interview is available in podcast form here.

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Teacher institute explores White House history

BW Morning Show Interview: Amy Brownlee

Amy Brownlee

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