American Hero, Virginia

Rediscovering American History Through Young Eyes

Jeremiah Brown from Ravensworth Elementary School in Annandale, Virginia. and Cavon Dickson of Lake Braddock High School filmed a powerful production by the Female Reenactors of Distinction (F.R.E.E.D.) at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale retelling the black experience in the American south during the time of the Civil War.

Everyone needs to feel significant as an individual, yet connected to something larger. As students learn about and take pride in their local history, they realize their importance as members of a community and its connection to our nation. The American History Film Project works to make that connection daily in the lives of students. The American History Film Project (AHFP) is a multi-disciplinary educational project that teaches students to write, plan, act, film and edit a short film about the history of their local community, then share it with other students across the US. By taking part in this project, students learn that many important and memorable events happened in their community, making them feel important and a part of the whole.

Apple 21 Covers Red Carpet Reception of Fairfax Filmmakers

Apple 21 Covers Red Carpet Reception of Fairfax Filmmakers

Fairfax County Public Schools Television featured the American History Film Project Exhibition in June 2017 covering national film premieres of local history student films just in time for Fairfax County’s 275th Birthday. Students from Annandale, Burke, Great Falls, and Springfield were among those from other states. Example of Project Based Learning.

Credits:

Film Footage provided by Stephen Cooper Wright and Gustavo Decker
Martha Barnes, Founder
Publicity by Kimberli Costabile, Amplify Communications

A tribute to Mary Barnes, a WWII veteran

A tribute to Mary Barnes, a WWII veteran


98 year old Mary Barnes, shares her memories of serving in the US Navy WAVES in World War II, with Cavon. Mrs. Barnes was stationed in Hawaii when the Japanese surrendered. What a celebration they had that day !

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Gadsby’s Tavern – Rebecca Ramsey Reese

Nominated from her high school for National History Day competition, Marta created this documentary on Rebecca Ramsey Reese and the efforts to preserve Alexandria, Virginia history. Scenes of Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria and interviews with historians and curators make this a lively and thorough documentary. The American History Film Project considers this a model documentary. Marta will be commended June 3, 2017 for her efforts at the Angelika Theater Mosaic District in Fairfax.