The Tall Ship Providence Foundation is receiving a $1 million in funding for an education program for fourth-grade students.
HII is a military ship building company. The goal of the HII 4th Grade Education Program is to educate all fourth graders in the Commonwealth about shipbuilding's history and continued importance. The program will feature a video created specifically for 4th graders on building ships for the U.S. Navy. Students will learn about Providence’s rich history and discover what life was like for the men and boys who sailed during the 18th century.
Visitors will board the first warship authorized by theContinental Congress for the Continental Navy and learn about the role Providence and other ships played in the American Revolution. Once aboard, students will visit the Captain’s Cabin, go below the deck to see where and how sailors lived and tour the main deck. Students will also have the opportunity to meet Revolutionary War hero Captain John Paul Jones and hear of his latest adventure aboard Providence and visit the Center’s Education Center and Naval History Theater.
“We are thrilled to have HII’s support for this critically important education program,” said Clair S. Sassin, TSPF’s president and CEO. “HII’s generous sponsorship will allow us to welcome 4th grade students from across the Commonwealth and enhance their understanding of our country’s history and the role of theContinental Navy,” Sassin continued.
Chris Kastner, president and CEO of HII, said, “My hope is that learning the stories of the past and opportunities of the future will inspire young talent to step forward and shape tomorrow’s technologies and ships that remain critical to the security of our nation.”
Providence will be getting a new home just south of King Street along Alexandria's waterfront. The Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center is scheduled to open in late spring 2023.
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