American History Film Project

Filmmaker Bio: Marta Rich

noreply@blogger.com (John Paluska) — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 19:45:00 +0000

Marta, the filmmaker behind “Gadsby’s Tavern,” is a rising senior at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes Upper School in Alexandria, Virginia. Though new to the world of filmmaking, Marta managed to enter with action. A native of Alexandria, Marta spent many years working at Gadsby’s Tavern, and her historical documentary on the renovation of this cultural icon by Rebecca Ramsey Reese certainly showcases that experience.

Marta has been a volunteer at Gadsby’s Tavern ever since she was a little girl. From fourth to sixth grade, Marta attended the Junior Docents program, which combines children’s love of history with important public speaking experience by giving summer tours. In addition, she deeply enjoyed leading the Tavern Overnight program, which teaches Junior Girl Scouts about Rebecca Reese’s preservationist views through having the Junior Scouts “meet” Rebecca Ramsey Reese herself.

Originally, Marta was uncertain concerning the reactions her film would receive from both friends and audience attendees alike. In an interview with Kimberli Costabile on “Inside Scoop,” Marta described her first-time showcase jitters, “It was my first time making a documentary so I wasn’t sure. Well, I think it’s ok, but what will other people think?”

Fortunately for Marta, other people thought her documentary was excellent, and our editors at the American History Film Project deemed it perfect for our 3rd exhibition, where it received a raucous applause from the audience. In her own words, “It was an eye-opening experience, but it was also very gratifying hearing other parents and kids coming up and saying, ‘Wow. I really liked your work.’”

One of those audience members was Michele Longo, the regional coordinator for the National History Day chapter in Northern Virginia. Michele, present with Marta on the same segment of “Inside Scoop,” expressed nothing but positive sentiments about the documentary. “I was really excited to see how she pulled in her experience,” Michele said.

When Marta isn’t teaching about Ramsey Reese at Gadsby’s Tavern or studying at school, she hangs out with friends and enters other history competitions. An avid writer, she recently won a trip to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for her literary prowess. In addition to writing, Marta is an equestrian who has entered multiple competitions.

US Senator Deb Fischer and Nebraska State Senator Al Davis Send Commendation Letters

noreply@blogger.com (John Paluska) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 18:32:00 +0000

Ty Kvanvig holds his letters of commendation

American History Film Project Participants Receive Congressional Commendation

American History Film Project participants Ty Kvanvig, Teven Marshall, and Lexi Rice all received letters of commendation from US Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska and a personal, handwritten note from Nebraska State Senator Al Davis (district 43).

Sen. Deb Fischer called Ty Kvanvig and Teven Marshall's instructional video about the historical construction of sod houses in the Nebraska plains "very informative" and said that their film being selected for the American History Film Project's exhibition is "well deserved" and a "wonderful achievement."

Letters from US. Sen. Deb Fischer (R) and Neb. State Sen. Al Davis (L)

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The Real American History Film Project

noreply@blogger.com (John Paluska) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 18:06:00 +0000

Martha Barnes' Shoutout to Baltimore and Detroit

Paging USA

The American History Film Project had a successful exhibition this year at Annandale High School. While two of the films were submitted from rural Nebraska, the other two were about hometowns that began as rural communities and are now situated in metropolitan areas. Annandale, inside Washington's "Beltway" is now considered urban. Martha Barnes, founder of the project, said she is hoping for submissions from schools in The audience was captivated and entertained by the question and answer sessions with Lexi Rice (Nebraska) and Bailey Oliver (the editor of a top rate submission about Annandale) among others. Further, Mary Hilbrink's film about Cary, along with her appearance via Skype, really brought an added dimension to the whole exhibition.

However, The American History Film Project isn't just about rural America. It's not just the midwest. Neither is it just D.C. No, the American History Film Project is about America's history, told in local stories through the eyes of the locals themselves. This is why we would like to hear stories from Baltimore, Detroit, and every other city in the USA. We believe that when students research local history it increases pride in their neighborhood and connects them to the larger community. The American History Film Project seeks to teach the importance everyone plays in the tapestry of history.

If you, or someone you know, is a student between grades 3-12, we are waiting to hear from you! Your community's stories are important. They are what helped make your story, and we are waiting to enjoy your history with you!

How to Submit a Film to the American History Film Project

If you would like to submit a documentary to the American History Film Project, please email us at filmprojectamericanhistory@gmail.com. Also, be sure to check out the film guidelines at our official website.

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Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 21:38:00 +0000

Welcome to the American History Film project

This is the official blog of the American History Film Project. This first blog post will provide the essential information so that you can get acquainted with us.

Overview

Everyone needs to feel significant as an individual, yet connected to something larger. As students learn about and take pride in their local history, they realize their importance as members of a community and its connection to our nation. The American History Film Project works to make that connection daily in the lives of students. The American History Film Project (AHFP) is a multi-disciplinary educational project that teaches students to write, plan, act, film and edit a short film about the history of their local community, then share it with other students across the US. By taking part in this project, students learn that many important and memorable events happened in their community, making them feel important and a part of the whole.

Blog Purpose

The blog will provide important news updates concerning the American History Film Project. It will also include interesting US history events and in depth interviews and testimonies with participants and other people of influence. Be sure to follow our blog for all the latest updates.

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The American History Film Project is on multiple social networks. Click on the icons below to connect with us!