History study trips to the USA

Curriculum Themes

American Independence

Civil Rights Movement

American Revolution

US connection with the Holocaust

Why the USA?

The USA is full of historical monuments and places to learn about the history of the country. From destinations like The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Steps to Philadelphia’s iconic Liberty Bell, to the Boston Trail, there are a number of places to educate students about American history.

The Capital of the USA!

America never had a set capital before 1800; several cities served as the capital in the country’s early years. Washington became America’s capital because it was suggested by Alexander Hamilton to create a capital on land owned by a federal government, and President George Washington decided on a spot. The spot chosen meant that Virginia and Maryland had to donate some land, which then became Washington. At the point when it became a capital, there was already a high population of African Americans which meant the city later became central to the Civil Rights Movement and the centre of African American culture.

What to do on a history study trip to the USA?

There is an enormous range of activities for students to explore the wonders of the USA. Here we have just a few excursions we can include in a bespoke itinerary.

The steps are especially relevant and offers a reflective experience that can only be truly appreciated first-hand. Designed like a Greek Doric temple, the site is engraved with two of Lincoln’s famous speeches. These include ‘The Gettysburg Address’ and his ‘Second Inaugural Address’. Furthermore, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Steps provided a poignant backdrop to Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a Dream’ speech.


Based in Washington DC, this museum is the United States’ official memorial to the Holocaust. Its collections consists of more than 12750 artefacts, 80,000 historical photographs, 200,000 registered survivors and 9000 oral testimonies.
This is a national monument that honours the 16 million people who served in World War II for the American army. It consists of 56 pillars and a pair of arches surrounding a fountain and is between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

As the birthplace of American Independence, Philadelphia offers an abundance of activities and tours that are perfect for a History study trip. Philadelphia is also home to the iconic Liberty Bell, a must-see monument that’s recognised as a national symbol of freedom. Another noteworthy location the city has to offer is Independence Hall. This famous building is where both the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were debated and approved.
Boston Freedom Trail The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile walk that takes you to 16 different historical sites linked to the American revolution, including Boston Common, Park Street Church, and the USS constitution.


In addition, you can also fill your days with the following

        • Visiting the Philadelphia Independence Hall
        • The Pentagon
        • Ford’s Theatre
        • Capitol Hill
        • Jefferson memorial

      Example Itineraries

      Our educational travel experts have spent considerable time crafting a selection of ready-made itineraries for your history study trip to the USA, which you will find below. However, we can also create a tailored itinerary to meet the educational needs of your group.

DAY1 Visit the Lincoln Memorial Steps and the US Holocaust Memorial
DAY2 Visit the Pentagon and Capitol Hill
DAY3 Travel to Philadelphia to visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
DAY4 Travel to Boston to do the Boston Freedom Trail

Getting there

The best way to get to Washington is to fly direct from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles International Airport with either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Then a fun coach trip to Philadelphia and either a coach or train to Boston.

Where to stay

HI Boston Hostel
Situated in the Theatre District, the HI Boston Hostel is a few minutes from the Boston Commons and offers a range of room sizes in single-sex en suite dorms.
Facilities include free WIFI access, linens, and lockers. Other facilities include kitchen and laundry facilities, pool table, and video games. There’s also continental breakfast and complimentary tea and coffee.

HI Philadelphia Apple Hostel
Ranked America’s 3rd best hostel, the HI Philadelphia Apple Hostel is a modernised 19th Century building that oozes history.
Situated in the Old City, this accommodation is surrounded by the main attractions and is also walking distance to the subway.
Facilities include free WIFI access, a range of room sizes, single-sex en suite dorm, linens, and lockers. Other facilities include kitchen and laundry facilities, pool table, and video games. There’s also continental breakfast and complimentary tea and coffee.

HI Washington DC Hostel
This HI USA hostel is a modern accommodation choice that’s only a mile from the White House and Washington Monument.
This accommodation offers a range of room sizes, single-sex en suite dorms, and breakfast included. Facilities include free WIFI access, linens, and lockers. Other facilities include kitchen and laundry facilities, pool table, computer access, video games, and TV lounge. There’s also complimentary tea and coffee.

When to visit the USA?

History Study Trips to the East Coast are appropriate to visit anytime of the year.

Our recommendations

Read about where other groups have been to on their study trips here:

The Chase School: Geography Trip to Morocco

Lawrence Sheriff School: Modern Foreign Languages Trip to Cologne

 

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