DCPL partnered with THATClass, a non-profit that asks the question, "What if we replaced the textbook curriculum with archival materials?" They imagined a summer camp with hands-on, project-based learning, where students would uncover knowledge and develop skills for life. Students used resources at DC Public Library, the National Archives and Records Administration, DC’s Fire and EMS Museum, and the Historical Society of Washington. By the end of summer, the students generated original research on the 1968 riots in DC, a topic of great interest to the community. Their final project included a Storymap, which combined a narrative with maps and images.

Special collections in public libraries and local teachers want to work together; the challenge is time and a compelling model. THATClass had an innovative education model, but needed a laboratory to put it in practice. The Library had the laboratory, and partnered with THATClass to facilitate the experience. Because of the camp structure, students and teachers had time to dive deeply into a topic. For the library, it is a powerful message and experience to have a cadre of high-school researchers creating new knowledge about the city and its history. Students presented findings at community events and a professional conference.

While students were initially skeptical about an archives camp, it is clear from their testimonials that this experience helped them see a clear connection between the DC riots of 1968 and more recent incidents in Ferguson and Baltimore. Local community members were impressed and surprised by the quality and research value of their work. The Library now has a scalable model so that student researchers can become part of the fabric of how we generate and excite the community about new knowledge. A second camp is planned for Summer 2016 and the library is exploring an after-school program.