Larson Announces $2 Million for Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s Educating for Democracy and Community History Projects

Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced $2 million in federal funding to support the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s (CMCH) Educating for Democracy and Community History Projects. 

“As a former public school teacher, I recognize the need to bolster civics education at the K-12 level and preserve the stories of today as the history of tomorrow,” said Larson. “I partnered with CMCH and civic-minded organizations across the state to advance these two projects that will create a network of educational experiences for students and professional development opportunities for teachers to ensure a robust civics curriculum in the State of Connecticut and be a model for other states to promote a culture of civic engagement.” 

“CMCH is grateful to Congressman Larson for his support of our work to increase access to civic education programs across Connecticut and to document the stories of Connecticut’s diverse populations,” said Rob Kret, Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. “The Congressionally Directed funds will be used to extend the Museum’s reach and impact across the state and enable us to partner with Connecticut’s leading history, civics, and educational organizations. Through these programs, CMCH will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Connecticut’s history and culture and its role in American society and highlight how history, culture and civics are essential tools to connect with others, shape communities and make informed decisions.” 

“This investment in civics education is an exciting opportunity to engage our state’s K-5 students and teachers in meaningful civic learning experiences. The CT Democracy Center is pleased to bring its expertise and civic education programs to this partnership, which will increase access to our programs, particularly Connecticut’s Kid Governor® and field trips to Connecticut’s Old State House," said Sally Whipple, Executive Director, Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. 

“Mystic Seaport Museum is grateful for Congressman Larson’s commitment to educating students about civics, and we look forward to working with the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History and partners to deliver our civics programming to more students. We have been providing this as part of our educational offerings for many years and are excited to broaden its reach and impact,” said Peter Armstrong, President, Mystic Seaport Museum. 

“The Fairfield Museum and History Center is excited to be a part of the Access to Civics Education project. By bridging diverse experiences and perspectives in our exhibitions and programs, we work to cultivate a deeper sense of community identity and civic engagement. In particular, the school programs at the Fairfield Museum connect students with the intriguing historical forces that have shaped our community and nation and share how those influences continue to reverberate in contemporary society. We believe that together we may shape a more empathetic and inclusive community,” said Michelle Cheng, Deputy Director for Programs, Fairfield Museum and History Center. 

“The Mark Twain House & Museum is thrilled to be a part of this project. It will mean a lot to the schoolchildren of Connecticut, many thousands of whom visit the museum each year. Civics and the ability for critical thinking that underpins it, are the root of democracy and Congressman Larson’s support of this initiative will only add to the excellence of Connecticut’s ability to educate its youth,” said Pieter Roos, Executive Director, The Mark Twain House & Museum. 

The Educating for Democracy Project is a partnership of nonprofit community stakeholders designed to teach history and advance Civics Education with K-12 students using primary source material housed in the state’s museums and historic sites. 

The Community History Project will expand CMCH’s current work in uplifting and preserving the histories of diverse communities by working with the state’s colleges and universities to advance the use of community history in postsecondary education. 

Rep. Larson secured funding for these initiatives in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding package, which was signed into law by President Biden last December.