Helias Catholic High School joins schools across nation in adding 1619 Project curriculum

Since last year, schools in every state — including one in Jefferson City — have been adding new history curriculum as a result of the 1619 Project.

The 1619 Project is a New York Times Magazine initiative to mark 1619, when the first enslaved Africans arrived on Virginia soil, as the nation’s foundational date.

Since its publication in August 2019, the 1619 Project has grown to include a five-part podcast, events around the country and curriculum taught in all 50 states, according to New York Times Magazine.

The Pulitzer Center created the 1619 Project curriculum, including reading guides, activities and other resources. There is a link to the curriculum in the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project, and the curriculum is available for teachers to use for any grade level.

Helias Catholic High School teacher Victor Bell said he has added 1619 Project curriculum to his 11th-grade Advanced Placement American History class for next school year that includes a lecture, a reading, assignments and a socratic seminar.

“We always try to evolve our curriculum as much as we possibly can and stay up on any major topics,” he said.

Bell said he chose to incorporate this curriculum into his class because he wants to make sure the students get every possible viewpoint to receive a well-rounded education.

“History books sometimes don’t cover a lot of aspects,” he said. “They never want to paint such a negative light, and sometimes, you have to look at the ugly truths about American history.”

After learning all viewpoints, such as when America’s foundational date is, the students will discuss their opinions in a socratic seminar. Bell said he doesn’t tell the students what his viewpoint is because he wants them to come up with their own.

Bell said he doesn’t know if the other American history teachers will use the 1619 Project curriculum, but he will share it with them at their curriculum meeting at the end of the year.

The News Tribune reached out to other local and surrounding-area districts but only received a response from South Callaway School District Superintendent Kevin Hillman, who said the district will consider adding this curriculum at its next curriculum-writing meeting.