On May 10, 2007, Independence National Historical Park and Ball State University were awarded a Gold Medal for Private Sector Involvement from the Federal Executive Board 2007 Excellence in Government Awards Program. Not every student gets a chance to visit Independence National Historical Park. However, with help from Ball State University and the National Park Foundation, about 20 million students from all around the world were able to visit the park from their homes and schools. On October 17, 2006, students from all fifty states and several foreign countries participated in the Electronic Field Trip (EFT) Freedom in America: Some Assembly Required. Like students who participated in electronic fieldtrips in other national parks around the country, students who participated in INHP’s EFT will have a lasting memory of their virtual visit.
This award from the Philadelphia-area Federal Executive Board highlights the significant programming that is possible through public-private partnerships. By working in close cooperation with our partners, INHP was able to offer a unique and exciting program. The technical expertise and experience from Ball State University, the content expertise and resources of Independence National Historical Park, and the funding from the National Park Foundation created a great partnership that brought the stories and resources of Independence National Historical Park to students around the world who would otherwise be unable to visit this important place.
Though the culmination of this EFT was two hours of live broadcasting, nearly a year’s worth of work in multiple facets was required to make it happen. After countless meetings and a seemingly endless number of emails, Ball State University EFT staff traveled out to Philadelphia to start setting up a week before the broadcast. Once it was time to go on air, everything was in place and ready to go. This was only possible through the dedication of everyone involved from Ball State University and the cooperation and assistance from staff at Independence National Historical Park.
