We recently had the opportunity to speak with Ann Rogan, Development Officer for the American Frontier Culture Foundation—the philanthropic partner of the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia. The Foundation plays a critical role in securing support for the Museum’s exhibits, programs, and educational outreach.

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Among the many initiatives supported by the Foundation, the Trailblazers Field Trip & Outreach Grant Program stands out as a source of immense pride. Ms. Rogan shared how this impactful program helps the Museum reach students from across the Commonwealth—ranging from elementary to high school—by removing the financial barriers that often prevent schools from participating in enriching field trips or outreach experiences.

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The Trailblazers program covers the cost of admission for students and staff participating in field trips, classroom outreach, or virtual learning sessions. Additionally, for schools located more than 50 miles from the Museum, the grant also covers transportation expenses. Schools in need of assistance can find more information or apply at frontiermuseum.org/trailblazers-grant-program.

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Ms. Rogan shared testimonials and feedback from teachers across Virginia, many of whom expressed how essential this grant is for making field trips possible. One application summed it up best:

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“What stands out in the Trailblazers applications is how much teachers rely on the grant program to augment their classroom teaching—and that without financial assistance, the class could not have a field trip.”

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Some impressive stats from the 2023–2024 academic year:

• 104 programs funded

• Nearly 17,000 students served

• 41% of all school-based programs at the Museum were grant-funded

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A teacher from a participating elementary school described the experience this way:

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“The Frontier Culture Museum is an invaluable educational resource that brings history to life by showcasing reconstructed working farms and dwellings from around the world, including early American, African, and European settlements. This aligns seamlessly with Virginia’s Standards of Learning for history and social science—especially in areas such as colonial history, immigration, and cultural diversity. For many of our students, this field trip represents a rare chance to step out of the classroom and engage with history in a tangible and meaningful way. These experiences are especially impactful for students who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities due to financial or logistical constraints.”

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Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Ann Rogan and the American Frontier Culture Foundation—and the generosity of individual donors—the Trailblazers Field Trip & Outreach Grant Program continues to make a life-changing impact on students across Virginia.

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To explore more about the Museum’s educational offerings, programs, and events, visit frontiermuseum.org. To learn how you can get involved, visit frontierculturefoundation.org.

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