Gary Hoog and Vicky Murphy

Hoog and Murphy’s innovative teaching idea, “450^th – An Oral History Project,” is focused on improving students’ knowledge of the history around them through investigating and sharing stories of St. Augustine. As the city celebrates its 450^th anniversary, students will record and share an oral history of the unique individuals and groups found within the surrounding communities. From Civil Rights pioneers, jazz performers in Lincolnville, farmers of the old Florida East Coast Railroad, soldiers of many wars/events, and survivors of the Holocaust, each community has a history that deserves to be cherished in future generations. Students today know very little of the significance of our history, and this project helps to create that learning opportunity. The teachers believe it will connect students with history, stories, and lives directly through those who lived it (and share with future students).