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.

Pilot Project- American History Film Project Columbia Pike

Pilot Project- American History Film Project Columbia Pike

Annandale United Methodist Church’s historic chapel is the setting for this student film which re-enacts a portion of Civil War era history along Columbia Pike in Annandale, Virginia. Martha Barnes guided students in the research and production of this project shot by Daniel Bonner, an Annandale High School.

Awsome Indiana AHFP Videos

The Awesome Indiana

A talented lyricist sings about his hometown history for the American History Film Project. Tristin Worster sings a parody of the Shawn Mendes song that is quite catchy. “Are you for Purdue?”

Cary, Illinois

Mary Hilbrink’s film is a general overview of the history of Cary, Illinois submitted for a hometown profile featured in 2015 at ‘The American History Film Project Exhibition’ in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. Hers was one of four films selected for the national film festival. She decided to film it with the help of some of her peers who live in Cary; the thinking was it is a short film by a young person “starring” young people. Her friends really enjoyed being included in the project.

Submitted by: Mary Hilbrink